ACF, Police Trade Words Over Kaduna Secretariat
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Nigeria Police Force are embroiled in a heated dispute over the alleged sealing of the forum's Kaduna headquarters. The controversy surrounds the upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
## Background
The ACF accused the police of illegally shutting down its secretariat, claiming that the action was unwarranted and lacked any legal basis. The forum stated that its office was sealed without a court order, and the only hint about the development was an unsigned circular attributed to the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu, suggesting that the NEC meeting had been cancelled.
## Police Response
The Kaduna State Police Command denied the claim, insisting that its operatives were only deployed to prevent a breakdown of law and order following intelligence about a possible clash between rival factions within the organisation. The Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna State, DSP Mansur Hassan, explained that the command received intelligence and written notifications from two factions within the forum, both planning to hold meetings at the same venue and time.
## ACF's Stance
The ACF maintained that there was no security threat to justify the police action, noting that its earlier meeting was conducted peacefully and that relevant security agencies had been duly notified. The forum called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently intervene by directing the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to unseal the secretariat.
## Implications
The development comes amid lingering leadership tensions within the ACF, with disputes over authority and constitutional interpretation continuing to fuel uncertainty within the influential northern socio-political body.