The Police in North West Nigeria’s Kano state have announced the imposition of movement restrictions in six Local Governments across three Constituencies where rerun elections are scheduled to occur. The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Gumel, conveyed this decision through a press statement in Kano, specifying that only essential service officials, accredited INEC election conductors, and members of the press will be granted access.
CP Gumel emphasized the commitment of the Police Command to provide necessary security in collaboration with relevant agencies during and after the rerun polls. He issued a warning to troublemakers, urging them to stay clear of the election venues, and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for carrying weapons during the rerun. Only eligible voters screened by INEC will be permitted to vote.
The Commissioner announced a ban on policemen escorting VIPs and political office holders to election locations. Strict measures against thuggery and the importation of thugs by political groups were highlighted, with deployed security personnel instructed to arrest anyone attempting to disrupt security provisions.
Prospective voters were urged to bring their voter cards to the designated polling units, with strict adherence to INEC accreditation guidelines. Rigorous stop-and-search operations and patrols were announced for all the Local Government Areas hosting rerun elections.
CP Gumel clarified that quasi-security outfits such as Hisbah, KAROTA, Vigilante, Hunters, Man O War, Boys Scouts, among others, would not participate in the rerun election.
The rerun election, scheduled for Saturday, 3rd February 2024, will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in three Constituencies – Tsanyawa/Kunchi, Kura/Garun Mallam, and Tofa/Rimin Gado – covering sixty-six polling units in six Local Government Areas.
In case of emergencies, the Kano State Police Command provided contact details through phone numbers and social media platforms.
Quest: Emmanuel kelvin