Thousands of followers of the Qadiriyya Islamic order from different parts of Nigeria and other countries have gathered in Kano for the 76th annual Maukibi, also known as the Waliyyai Festival.
Maukibi is an annual religious procession organised by members of the Qadiriyya order in Kano.
The event began at the Qadiriyya House in Kabara, with participants marching to the Wali Maigiginya Cemetery along Katsina Road, where the main gathering was held.
The procession was led by Sheikh Qaribullahi Nasiru-Kabara, the leader of the Qadiriyya order in West Africa.
The Kano State Police Command said it had put security measures in place to ensure the event went smoothly.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna-Kiyawa, urged participants and visitors to obey the law and preserve Kano’s reputation for hospitality.
He also warned participants against behaviour that could disrupt the event.
“In this regard, the Command sternly warns against immoral behaviours such as wielding dangerous weapons, dealing in illicit drugs and other deviant behaviors that do not align with the state’s cultural heritage,” he warned.
Kiyawa said the large number of visitors expected from within and outside Nigeria made it important for everyone to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
He also asked members of the public to report emergencies or suspicious activities to the police.