The Kano State Police Command has rescued a man from an angry mob after he was accused of blasphemy at a hotel in the Badawa area of the metropolis.

The incident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on December 21, 2025 at Sarina Hotel, Badawa Quarters.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, a distress call was received reporting that three men Musa Tasiu, Awwal Ibrahim, and Soja Snu, all from Dorayi Quarters had visited the hotel to smoke shisha.

One of the suspects, Musa Tasiu, allegedly went to the hotel’s mosque, broke the glass door, picked a copy of the Holy Qur’an and tore it.

“Following the incident, people within the premises mobilised in large numbers, and the suspect was on the verge of being lynched,” the a source told the Zagazola.

Sources said a patrol team attached to the division responded swiftly to the distress call, rescued the suspect and restored normalcy in the area.

The source added that the situation had since calmed, while investigation into the incident was ongoing.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a nationwide tightening of security ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, directing all police commands to significantly increase surveillance and protection across worship centres, highways and major public spaces across the country.

The directive places counter-terrorism operatives, bomb disposal units, intelligence teams and mobile police formations on full alert as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and incident free Yuletide period for Nigerians.

In line with the order, police personnel have been strategically deployed to churches, mosques, motor parks, markets, recreational centers, hotels and other high traffic locations.

Major highways and interstate routes are also under intensified patrol to curb robbery, kidnapping and other crimes often associated with increased festive movement.

Specialised units including the Counter Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, Police Mobile Force, Highway Patrol, Marine Police and the Airwing have been directed to maintain round the clock operational readiness and rapid response capability to any emerging security threat.

The Inspector General further instructed Commissioners of Police across the states to strengthen intelligence driven operations, conduct visible and proactive patrols and deepen collaboration with other security agencies, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to identify and neutralize potential threats before they escalate.

Police authorities explained that the enhanced security measures are aimed at protecting lives and property, deterring criminal activities and ensuring that citizens can worship, travel and celebrate the festive season without fear or disruption.

Members of the public have also been urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or objects to the nearest police station or designated emergency lines.

With the comprehensive security deployment now in place, the Nigeria Police Force has assured Nigerians of its commitment to maintaining law and order and delivering a safe, peaceful and secure Yuletide celebration nationwide.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended birthday congratulations to Mrs Cecilia Adebisi Ugowe, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, as she marks her 90th birthday today.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy indicates that the President celebrates Cecilia Ugowe as a pioneering figure whose service to the Nigeria Police Force helped broaden opportunities for women and strengthen professionalism at a time when policing was overwhelmingly male-dominated.

Mrs Cecilia Ugowe broke the ceiling throughout her career in the police. In 1968, she became a Deputy Superintendent of Police, a rare feat for a woman at the time. She was the first female Commissioner of Police (CP), the first female Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), and the first woman to hold the position of Force Secretary.

“As she marks this significant milestone, I commend her lifetime of service and wish her continued good health, peace, and fulfillment”, the President says.