Bauchi police deploy personnel, restrict movement ahead of bye-elections

The Bauchi State Police Command has deployed security personnel and operational equipment ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies.

 

The elections, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, are scheduled for September 19, 2026, in Disina Constituency of Shira Local Government Area and Sakwa Constituency of Zaki Local Government Area.

 

In a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, ordered the deployment to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.

 

“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.

 

The police said the operation would be conducted alongside other security agencies under the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES.

 

The command also announced restrictions on vehicular movement and some commercial activities within the affected constituencies.

 

“Movement of vehicles and some commercial activities will be restricted from 6:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Disina and Sakwa constituencies,” the statement said.

 

INEC officials, election observers, emergency responders and people performing essential duties would be exempted from the restriction.

 

The police also prohibited security personnel attached to politicians, public officials and dignitaries from accompanying them to polling units or collation centres.

 

The use of sirens and vehicles with concealed registration numbers was also banned during the election period.

 

The command warned against vote buying and selling, hate speech, misinformation, cyberbullying, thuggery and other activities capable of disrupting public order.

 

“Anyone found with a weapon or any object capable of causing violence or facilitating the commission of an offence at a polling unit will be arrested and prosecuted,” the police said.

 

The Commissioner assured residents that the command would protect lives and property while providing a level playing field for political parties and candidates.

 

Aliyu stressed that the Nigeria Police Force does not support any political party and would perform its duties professionally and in accordance with the law.

 

He also urged parents and guardians to caution youths against being used for political thuggery or other forms of electoral violence.

 

Residents were advised to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.