The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 47 armed individuals who claimed to be members of state-owned security outfits near polling units in Disina during a state House of Assembly bye-election. The suspects were taken into custody, and exhibits including firearms and other dangerous weapons were recovered from them. The arrests were made by police operatives deployed for election duty in the Disina state constituency election in Shira Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a blatant disregard for lawful directives and an attempt to undermine the electoral process. He directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for discreet investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law. The police command reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible, and hitch-free bye-election.
The Bauchi State Government has demanded the immediate release of three persons arrested by security operatives during the Zaki and Disina state constituency bye-elections held last Saturday. The demand was made by the state Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Auwal Jatau, who alleged that the operatives, deployed from Abuja, arrested and intimidated some supporters of the All Progressives Movement (APM) despite committing no offence.
According to the Deputy Governor, the arrested individuals were not incriminated in any wrongdoing, and he called on security authorities to exercise restraint. He emphasized that his camp would not allow anyone to interfere with the electoral process. The Deputy Governor made the allegations in Fuchukuwa, Sakuwa Ward of Zaki Local Government Area, after inspecting voting activities at Bakari and Fuchukuwa polling units.
The police command had earlier stated that state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, private security guards, and vigilance groups are not allowed to participate in election security coverage. Only statutorily recognized security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) are mandated to provide security for the elections. Despite this clear warning, the 47 operatives were found armed with guns, cutlasses, and sticks within polling units.
The police command warned that any person or group that attempts to disrupt the electoral process or cause a breach of peace will be decisively dealt with, regardless of their status. The public was called upon to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activity to the police. The command is committed to ensuring a peaceful and credible bye-election.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by electoral authorities in maintaining security and order during elections in Nigeria. The police command's swift action in arresting the suspects and recovering exhibits demonstrates its commitment to upholding the law and protecting the electoral process. The outcome of the investigation and prosecution of the suspects remains to be seen.
Key points
- 47 armed individuals claiming to be state security operatives were arrested near polling units in Bauchi State.
- The Bauchi State Government demanded the immediate release of three persons arrested by security operatives during the bye-elections.
- The police command warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process will be decisively dealt with.
