Police Arrest 47 Alleged State-Owned Security Operatives At Bauchi Polling Units

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command says it has arrested 47 persons who allegedly claimed to be operatives of a state-owned security outfit during the bye-election in Disina State Constituency, Shira Local Government Area.

According to the Command, the suspects were arrested on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at various polling units within the constituency. Police said they were allegedly found carrying firearms, cutlasses and sticks.

The arrests came despite an earlier warning issued by the Command on September 17 concerning security arrangements for the bye-elections in Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, and Sakwa State Constituency, Zaki LGA.

The Police had earlier stated that state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, private security guards and vigilante groups were prohibited from participating in election security operations.

The Command said only security agencies legally recognised under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) were authorised to provide security during the elections.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the Command said its personnel deployed for election duty apprehended the suspects after finding them within polling units with the weapons.

The suspects were subsequently taken into police custody, while firearms and other dangerous weapons allegedly recovered from them were also secured as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu,mni, psc(+), condemned what he described as a disregard for lawful directives and an attempt to undermine the electoral process.

He ordered the suspects to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring a credible and hitch-free bye-election across the affected constituencies.

It also warned that individuals or groups who attempt to disrupt the electoral process or cause a breach of peace would face decisive action, regardless of their status.

The Police urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to security authorities.