Bauchi police deploy large security operatives, restrict movement ahead of bye-elections

The Bauchi State Police Command has announced the deployment of 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 State Constituency of Shira Local Government Area and Sakwa State Constituency of Zaki Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, ordered the deployment as part of measures 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.

According to the statement, the operation will be conducted in collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

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

“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 police said.

It added that people engaged in essential duties, INEC officials, election observers and emergency responders would be exempted from the restriction.

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

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

It warned against vote buying and selling, hate speech, misinformation, thuggery, cyberbullying and other activities capable of disrupting public peace.

“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 statement said.

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

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

Aliyu urged parents and guardians to warn their children and youths against allowing themselves to be used to cause disturbances or engage in political thuggery during the election.

The command urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Bauchi police deploy large security operatives, restrict movement ahead of bye-elections