The Bauchi State Police Command says it has arrested 47 suspects claiming to be operatives of a state-owned security outfit after they were found at polling units in Disina State Constituency, Shira Local Government Area, armed with guns, cutlasses and sticks.

The Command disclosed this in a press statement issued on Saturday, September 19, 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib.

According to the statement, the arrests were made by police operatives deployed for election duty in the constituency, despite an earlier warning prohibiting state-owned security outfits and other unauthorised groups from participating in election security coverage.

The Command said it had earlier issued a press release on September 17, 2026, outlining security arrangements for the by-elections in Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, and Sakwa State Constituency, Zaki LGA.

It stated that only statutorily recognised security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) were mandated to provide security for the elections.

“In the said release, the Command unequivocally stated that state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, private security guards and vigilante groups are not allowed to participate in election security coverage, as only statutorily recognised security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) are mandated to provide security for the elections,” it stated.

The police said the suspects were arrested for allegedly acting in contravention of the Electoral Act and the security directives issued ahead of the elections.

“The suspects were immediately taken into custody. The exhibits, including firearms and other dangerous weapons, were recovered from them,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incident and directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for investigation and prosecution.

The statement quoted the commissioner as strongly condemning “this blatant disregard for lawful directives and attempt to undermine the electoral process”.

The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible and hitch-free by-election, warning that anyone or group attempting to disrupt the electoral process or cause a breach of peace would be dealt with decisively.

It also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the police. (Channels TV)