Police restrict vehicular movement, commercial activities ahead of Bauchi bye-elections

The Bauchi State Police Command has announced restrictions on vehicular movement and commercial activities in two constituencies ahead of the bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The restriction will affect Disina State Constituency in Shira Local Government Area and Sakwa State Constituency in Zaki LGA, where the elections will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The command, in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, SP Nafiu Habib, said the restriction would run from 6am to 6pm on election day, with exemptions for essential-duty personnel, INEC officials, accredited election observers and emergency responders.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, ordered the deployment of personnel and operational assets to the two constituencies as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.

According to the statement, the deployment is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

The police further directed that security aides attached to VIPs, political office holders and public officials must not accompany their principals to polling units or collation centres.

The use of sirens and covered number plates has also been prohibited throughout the election period.

The command warned that state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, private security guards and vigilante groups would not be permitted to participate in election security operations.

It said only statutorily recognised security agencies operating under ICCES would be allowed to provide security coverage during the exercise.

The police also warned political actors and residents against vote-buying and vote-selling, hate speech, fake news, thuggery, cyberbullying and other acts capable of disrupting the election.

It added that anyone found carrying dangerous weapons or other incriminating items at polling units would be arrested and prosecuted.

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

He reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to remain non-partisan and professional during the electoral process.