The emir (centre) does not normally comment on political matters
One of northern Nigeria’s most influential Muslim leaders has called on people to defend themselves against attacks by the Boko Haram militant Islamist group.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, said residents should “acquire what they need” to protect themselves.
The BBC’s Will Ross, in Nigeria, says such an intervention is very unusual.
A police spokesman said the Emir’s comments were a “call for anarchy” and should not be acted on.
The emir, who until earlier this year was governor of Nigeria’s central bank, normally stays silent on political matters.
He made the comments at a prayer meeting, following several further attacks in recent days blamed on Boko Haram.
Jihadists from the group continue to cause havoc in parts of north-east Nigeria, capturing towns and villages where they have been imposing their own strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Primary schools in one of the worst-affected areas have begun reopening after being closed for the past eight months.
Boko Haram, which means “Western education is forbidden”, often attacks educational establishments.
Some of the schools are to be protected by self-defence groups.
