Kano Police Restrict Movement in Dawakin Kudu For Saturday’s By-Election

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Command has imposed a temporary restriction on movement in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area ahead of the Kano State House of Assembly by-election scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The restriction will take effect from 12:00 am on Saturday and remain in force until 5:00 pm, according to the command.

The decision was reached after consultations with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and in accordance with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said residents would not be permitted to move around the affected area during the period except those performing essential duties and carrying valid identification.

The command said INEC officials, accredited election observers, medical personnel, firefighters and accredited journalists would be exempted from the restriction.

The police also barred security aides and escorts attached to VIPs, political office holders and government officials from accompanying their principals to polling units and collation centres.

Vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits and voluntary organisations were also prohibited from participating in election security operations or loitering around polling units.

The Commissioner warned residents against taking firearms or other dangerous weapons to polling units and other election-related locations.

“All forms of vote-buying, vote-selling, and political canvassing within the vicinity of polling units are strictly prohibited,” he added.

He further stated, “Only accredited INEC officials, security personnel, election observers and journalists will be allowed access to polling units and collation centres.”

The police called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to comply with the Electoral Act 2022, as amended, and conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.

According to Bakori, the command has deployed personnel and operational equipment to polling units, Registration Area Centres, collation centres and locations identified as potential flashpoints across Dawakin Kudu.

He said joint patrol teams would enforce the movement restriction and take action against anyone who attempts to disrupt public order.

The police commissioner warned that violators of the movement restriction or other electoral regulations would face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.

Bakori also urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against allowing politicians or other individuals to use them as thugs before, during or after the election.

Residents were advised to report emergencies and suspicious activities to the Kano State Police Command through 08032419754, 08123821575 or 09029292926.

The commissioner assured residents of Dawakin Kudu and the wider Kano State that the command would take measures to protect lives and property and maintain a secure environment for voters to exercise their civic rights.