The Kano State Police Command has announced a restriction of movement in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area ahead of the State Assembly by-election scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The restriction will be in force from 12:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday, according to a statement issued by the command on Friday.
The police said the decision was taken in consultation with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Kano State chapter, and in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said only people on essential duties would be allowed to move during the period.
“Only those on essential duties with valid means of identification, such as INEC officials, accredited election observers, medical personnel, firefighters, and accredited journalists will be allowed movement during the period,” the statement said.
The Command also announced a ban on security aides and escorts attached to VIPs, from accompanying their principals to polling units and collation centres.
“All security aides and escorts attached to VIPs, political office holders and government functionaries are barred from accompanying their principals to polling units and collation centres,” it stated.
The police further prohibited quasi-security outfits, vigilante groups and voluntary organisations from taking part in election security arrangements or loitering around polling units.
It also warned against the possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons at election venues.
“No person will be allowed to carry arms or any dangerous weapon within and around the election venues,” the command said.
“All forms of vote-buying, vote-selling, and political canvassing within the vicinity of polling units are strictly prohibited,” the statement added.
According to the command, access to polling units and collation centres would be restricted to accredited INEC officials, security personnel, election observers and journalists.
The command said it had deployed personnel and operational assets to all polling units, Registration Area Centres, collation centres and identified flashpoints across Dawakin Kudu LGA.
“Joint patrol teams will enforce compliance and respond promptly to any breach of peace,” the statement said.
“Anyone found violating the restriction order or any of the electoral guidelines will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the commissioner warned.
The command also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their wards against being used as political thugs to cause violence before, during or after the election.
Residents were advised to report emergencies or suspicious activities.
