police force increased security measures in the city of Kano following Jos riots

The Nigerian police force increased security measures in the city of Kano, capital of the state with the same name, on 1 December 2008 as part of an effort to prevent possible reprisal violence that could arise from the Jos riots. Nigerian authorities believe that the security is necessary because of growing tension between the city's Muslim and Christian populations, following widespread riots in the Plateau state city of Jos that killed close to 400 people. The police force began using tanks to patrol the city and has set up checkpoints at the city's entry points to conduct stop and search operations, with specific instructions to seize corpses that may be transported to Kano to stir up unrest. Authorities have stated that security forces have been placed on red alert and may be fully deployed in the event of a breakdown in order. Similar security measures are being implemented in the areas surrounding Jos, including in Bauchi and Kaduna states.