The Gombe State Police Command has announced a comprehensive security plan for the upcoming by‑election in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, set for Saturday, 19 September 2026.
Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, ordered the deployment of police personnel to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, polling units, collation centres and other strategic locations across the three affected local government areas.
The operation is being carried out in partnership with the Inter‑Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), according to a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi.
Police have imposed a restriction on vehicular movement and the closure of commercial activities in Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day, except for essential services. Essential‑service vehicles must not use sirens, be unregistered or bear covered number plates.
Only statutory security agencies operating under the ICCES framework are authorised to provide security during the election; state‑owned security outfits, quasi‑security organisations, private security guards and vigilante groups are excluded.
The Command urged political actors and the public to refrain from spreading false information, engaging in political thuggery, displaying weapons or possessing prohibited items at polling units. Parents and guardians were advised to warn their wards against recruitment for activities that could disrupt the election.
Anyone found undermining the peaceful conduct of the election will be arrested and prosecuted. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station. Emergency lines are 0815 056 7771 and 0903 643 5359.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
