The Gombe Police Command has announced comprehensive security measures ahead of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election scheduled for Saturday, 19 September 2026.
The command said it had deployed adequate personnel and operational assets to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, offices, collation centres, polling units and other strategic locations across the three affected local government areas.
In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, said the deployment was being carried out in collaboration with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, to ensure the peaceful conduct of the poll before, during and after voting.
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He said movement and commercial activities would be restricted across Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye Local Government Areas from 6.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday, except for essential services, as part of the security arrangements.
The CP said personnel involved in essential services would not be permitted to use sirens, unregistered vehicles or vehicles with covered number plates.
The command also clarified that only statutory security agencies operating under ICCES would be authorised to provide security coverage during the election.
It also said state-owned security outfits, quasi-security organisations, private security guards and vigilante groups had been excluded from election security duties.
The police warned against the spread of fake news, political thuggery and other acts capable of disrupting public peace during the election.
It further warned that the brandishing of weapons or possession of incriminating items at polling units would not be tolerated.
The Gombe State Police Command urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against allowing themselves to be recruited or used as political thugs.
According to the command, anyone found engaging in activities capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the election will be arrested and prosecuted.
The police also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines: 0815 056 7771 and 0903 643 5359.
