The Kaduna State Police Command has cautioned politicians and their supporters against any attempt to disrupt Saturday’s bye-elections in parts of the state.
The warning covers Sabon Gari, Zaria, Chikun, and Kajuru local government areas, where voting is taking place.
The command stressed that anyone caught fomenting trouble would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their position.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the police had received “credible intelligence” suggesting that some political actors and their loyalists were plotting to instigate crises during the exercise.
“Let it be made abundantly clear that such actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the statement read in part.
“Anyone, no matter how highly placed, who engages in violence, intimidation, vote-buying, thuggery, or any form of disruption will be arrested immediately and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Hassan disclosed that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, had put in place “robust security arrangements” to safeguard the process. He said personnel had been deployed to polling units, collation centres, identified flashpoints, and other strategic locations.
“Security operatives have been directed to be firm, professional, and uncompromising in dealing with individuals or groups who attempt to undermine the peace and orderliness of the elections,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, according to Hassan, has therefore warned political actors, party loyalists, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid acts that could trigger unrest.
He assured residents of adequate protection and urged eligible voters in the affected areas to come out and exercise their civic rights without fear of intimidation.
