Police Arrest 47 for Impersonating Security Agents in Bauchi By-election

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 47 people. They are accused of pretending to be officers of a state security outfit during the by-election in Disina State Constituency, Shira Local Government Area.

The suspects were caught at different polling units on Saturday. They were allegedly carrying guns, cutlasses, and sticks, which goes against the Electoral Act and security rules set before the election.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, shared this information in a statement on Saturday.

Habib said, "Following our deployment for election duty in Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, 47 operatives claiming to be members of a state-owned security outfit were arrested within polling units.

“They were found in possession of guns, cutlasses and sticks, in contravention of the Electoral Act and the security directives earlier issued."

The PPRO mentioned that the suspects were taken into custody right away. He also said that firearms and other dangerous items were recovered from them.

He added, "The suspects were immediately taken into custody. Exhibits, including firearms and other dangerous weapons, were recovered from them."

Habib reported that the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, criticized this act. He ordered that the suspects be sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning.

He quoted the CP as saying, "This blatant disregard for lawful directives and attempt to undermine the electoral process" is unacceptable.

Habib noted that the suspects had been transferred to the SCID in Bauchi for a thorough investigation and prosecution as the law requires.

The command promised to ensure a peaceful, credible, and smooth by-election.

It warned that "any person or group, regardless of status, who attempts to disrupt the electoral process or cause a breach of peace will be decisively dealt with."

The police urged the public to remain law-abiding. They encouraged people to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

PUNCH reports that the Bauchi State Police Command released a statement on Friday, September 18, 2026. The statement detailed security plans for the bye-elections in Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, and Sakwa State Constituency, Zaki LGA.

In the statement, the command made it clear that "state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, private security guards and vigilante groups are not allowed to participate in election security coverage."

The command explained that only "statutorily recognised security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security are mandated to provide security for the elections."