By-election: Police deploy personnel, restrict movement in Bauchi

Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Sani-Omolori Aliyu. Photo Credit: Bauchi State Police Command.

The Bauchi State Police Command has deployed personnel and operational assets to Disina State Constituency in Shira Local Government Area and Sakwa State Constituency in Zaki LGA ahead of Saturday’s by-election.

The command also announced restrictions on vehicular movement and commercial activities in the two constituencies from 6 am to 6 pm on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

Habib said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, had ordered the deployment to ensure a peaceful, credible and hitch-free electoral process.

He said, “Sequel to the by-elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission for Disina State Constituency in Shira LGA and Sakwa State Constituency in Zaki LGA, holding on Saturday, 19th September, 2026, the Bauchi State Police Command has put in place robust security arrangements to ensure a peaceful, credible and hitch-free exercise.”

According to him, the deployment was being conducted in synergy with other sister security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

He said, “There will be restriction of vehicular movement and commercial activities from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, 19th September, 2026, in Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, and Sakwa State Constituency, Zaki LGA, except for those on essential duties, INEC officials, election observers and emergency responders.”

The PPRO added that security aides attached to VIPs, political officeholders and public officials would not be allowed to accompany their principals to polling units or collation centres.

He said the command had also prohibited the use of sirens and covered number plates throughout the election period.

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Habib further stated that state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, private security guards and vigilante groups would not participate in the security coverage of the by-elections.

He said, “Only statutorily recognised security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security are mandated to provide security during the bye-elections.”

The command warned political actors and other stakeholders against vote-buying, vote-selling, hate speech, the circulation of fake news, thuggery, cyberbullying and other acts capable of causing a breach of peace.

Habib said, “Anyone found in possession of dangerous weapons or other incriminating items at polling units will be arrested and prosecuted.”

The Commissioner of Police assured residents of the two constituencies of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.

He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remained non-partisan and professional, adding that it was committed to deepening democracy through credible elections.

Aliyu also urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against allowing themselves to be used as political thugs.

He warned that “the command will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person or group that attempts to disrupt the electoral process.”

The commissioner urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.