Police Arrest 47 Suspected Gunmen at Polling Units in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has seized 47 suspected gunmen, allegedly members of state-owned security outfits, during the House of Assembly bye-election in Disina. These suspects were found armed with guns, cutlasses, and sticks, contravening the Electoral Act and security directives. The suspects, who claimed to be members of security outfits, were apprehended by the police, who also recovered various exhibits, including firearms and other dangerous weapons.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, strongly condemned the blatant disregard for lawful directives and the attempt to undermine the electoral process. He ordered the suspects to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for discreet investigation and prosecution. The Command reiterated its commitment to a peaceful, credible, and hitch-free bye-election and warned against any attempts to disrupt the process or cause a breach of peace.

The police advised the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The Bauchi State Government has demanded the immediate release of three individuals arrested by security operatives during the Zaki and Disina state constituency byelections held last Saturday. Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Auwal Jatau, alleged that the operatives, deployed from Abuja, had arrested and intimidated APM supporters despite committing no offense.

The Deputy Governor made this statement after inspecting voting activities at Bakari and Fuchukuwa polling units in Zaki Local Government Area. He called for restraint from security authorities and urged the APM supporters not to cooperate with anyone attempting to rig the election. Despite his concerns, Jatau commended the large voter turnout and the professional conduct of INEC officials and police personnel at the polling units he visited.

He urged voters and political party agents to remain calm and law-abiding while calling for security personnel to remain at the polling units until the voting is concluded and results are transmitted. Jatau also appealed to all stakeholders to ensure the bye-election is concluded peacefully and in accordance with the law.