The Kano State Police Command on Friday announced a series of security measures and election guidelines ahead of the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency bye-election scheduled for Saturday, 20 June 2026.
The measures, according to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, are in line with resolutions reached at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) strategic meeting held on 17 June 2026, and are aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and credible electoral process.
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed the full implementation of a comprehensive security architecture developed in collaboration with all ICCES member agencies to guarantee the safety of voters, election officials, and electoral materials.
As part of the arrangements, the Command announced a total restriction of vehicular and pedestrian movement within Dawakin Kudu and Warawa Local Government Areas from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Election Day.
The restriction, however, will not apply to persons on essential duties, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited election observers, and duly identified media personnel.
Residents and motorists have been advised to plan their movements accordingly to avoid inconvenience during the restriction period.
The statement also disclosed that adequate personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies operating under ICCES have been deployed to polling units, collation centres, INEC offices, and other critical locations across the two local government areas.
Voters were urged to conduct themselves peacefully and maintain order at polling units.
The Police Command emphasized that only eligible voters with valid voter identification and persons within designated polling unit boundaries would be allowed access during voting hours.
It further reminded political parties and their supporters that campaigning, canvassing, and the display of party symbols or paraphernalia within 300 metres of polling units remain prohibited under the Electoral Act.
Reaffirming its commitment to a violence-free election, the Command declared zero tolerance for electoral offences, including vote buying, vote selling, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, and the spread of fake news or misinformation.
It warned that anyone found engaging in electoral malpractice would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
The Command also assured the public that all electoral materials, INEC personnel, and collation centres would be provided with adequate security before, during, and after the election to prevent tampering or disruption of the process.
Members of the public were encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities, threats, or breaches of peace to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
Speaking on behalf of ICCES, the Kano State Police Command assured residents of Dawakin Kudu and Warawa Federal Constituency of impartial and adequate security throughout the election period, noting that the security situation across the state remains stable and calm.
The State Police Command urged eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear, while appealing to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to abide by electoral guidelines and maintain the peace for which Kano State is known.
