Bauchi police arrest 172 suspects, rescue 29 kidnapped victims ahead of 2027 elections

The command also recovered four AK-47 rifles, other weapons, motor vehicles, motorcycles, counterfeit US dollars, assorted mobile phones and other exhibits within the period under review.

The development was disclosed in a press release issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib.

According to the statement, Zango thanked the Bauchi State Government and other critical stakeholders for their support towards ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

He directed the command to sustain the identification and documentation of areas prone to security threats to guide the deployment of personnel and logistics by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The DIG also appealed to the state government to continue providing logistical support to the police and called for closer cooperation among security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, traditional rulers and community leaders.

He stressed the importance of timely intelligence sharing in addressing potential threats before they escalate.

“All police officers deployed for election duties must remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights,” the statement quoted Zango as saying.

Welcoming the DIG to Bauchi, Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu described the visit as timely and strategic, saying it aligned with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police for a peaceful, secure and credible election.

Aliyu provided an overview of the command’s operational structure, including area commands, divisions, outposts and tactical units.

He identified political thuggery, the destruction of campaign materials and other electoral risks as major concerns ahead of the 2027 elections, alongside broader security challenges in parts of the state.

The commissioner said the command had commenced several measures to strengthen security ahead of the polls.

These include securing INEC offices, political party offices and other sensitive locations; conducting clearance operations in identified criminal hideouts alongside other security agencies; and carrying out intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts.

Other preparations include engaging political stakeholders and traditional rulers to promote peace, training personnel for election duties, and establishing an Election Situation Room and an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

The command is also seeking additional personnel and equipment to provide adequate security across the state’s 5,423 polling units.

The commissioner appealed to the Inspector-General of Police for additional manpower and logistical support, including operational vehicles, anti-riot equipment, communication gadgets, drones and closed-circuit television cameras.

He further requested the establishment of two additional Police Mobile Force squadrons to improve operational coverage across the state.

In response, Zango commended the Bauchi State Police Command for its proactive approach to election security and assured the command that its observations and requests would be presented to the Inspector-General of Police for necessary action.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and ensuring a peaceful, free and fair 2027 general election in Bauchi State.