The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 47 persons allegedly posing as operatives of a state-owned security outfit during the by-election in Disina State Constituency, Shira Local Government Area.


According to the police, the suspects were arrested at various polling units on Saturday, September 19, 2026, while allegedly carrying guns, cutlasses and sticks. The weapons were reportedly recovered and taken into custody as exhibits.


The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the arrests followed an earlier directive issued by the command prohibiting state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, private security guards and vigilante groups from participating in election security operations.

The police said only security agencies recognised under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) were authorised to provide security during the elections in Disina State Constituency and Sakwa State Constituency in Zaki Local Government Area.


Habib said the suspects were taken into custody after they were found within polling units allegedly acting in contravention of the Electoral Act and the security directives issued ahead of the election.


The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the development and described it as a disregard for lawful directives and an alleged attempt to undermine the electoral process.


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


The command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a peaceful and credible electoral process, warning that individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the election or cause a breach of peace would face legal action.


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