The Kaduna State Police Command has urged politicians and their followers not to disrupt Saturday’s bye-elections in portions of the state.
Sabon Gari, Zaria, Chikun, and Kajuru councils have all been affected.
The command emphasised that anyone caught inciting disturbance, regardless of status, would be arrested and prosecuted.
In a statement released in Kaduna on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the police had received “credible intelligence” that some political stakeholders and their loyalists were planning to cause crises during the polls.
According to him, the police would not hesitate to deal decisively with troublemakers.
“Let it be made abundantly clear that such actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The police claimed they had planned “robust security arrangements” in coordination with other security agencies and that officers would be deployed to polling stations, collation centres, flashpoints, and other critical locations.
The statement added, “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 Commissioner of Police, therefore, warns all political actors, party loyalists, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and to desist from acts capable of causing unrest.”
Hassan told voters that they will be adequately protected, encouraging residents of affected areas to vote and enjoy their civic rights without fear of being intimidated.
