The Bauchi State Police Command has announced the deployment of significant security personnel and operational equipment to secure bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026. The elections, organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will take place in the Disina State Constituency of Shira Local Government Area and the Sakwa State Constituency of Zaki Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Nafiu Habib stated that Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu ordered the deployment to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. The operation will be conducted in collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
To maintain order, the command has imposed restrictions on the movement of vehicles and certain commercial activities within the two constituencies from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day. Exemptions from these restrictions have been granted to individuals engaged in essential duties, INEC officials, election observers, and emergency responders.
The police have also prohibited security personnel attached to politicians, public officials, and dignitaries from escorting them to polling units or collation centres. Additionally, the use of sirens and vehicles with concealed registration numbers is banned throughout the election period. The command warned against vote buying and selling, hate speech, misinformation, thuggery, and cyberbullying, noting that anyone found with weapons or objects capable of causing violence at a polling unit will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc(+), has ordered the deployment of a large number of security personnel and operational equipment to the two constituencies,” Habib said.
Commissioner Aliyu assured residents that the command would protect lives and property while providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force does not support any political party and will perform its duties professionally and in accordance with the law.
The police urged parents and guardians to warn their children and youths against engaging in political thuggery or allowing themselves to be used to cause disturbances. Residents were further advised to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
