The Borno State Police Command has warned residents against electoral violence and youth thuggery to sustain democratic values and socio-economic development of the state.

According to the Command, the community engagement was to sensitise the electorate on the principles of electing their leaders at the grassroots.

The community engagement, held at the Lamisula Police Divisional Headquarters, Maiduguri, was led by the Commissioner of Police and in attendance with key members of the police management team, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Department of Operations, Evans Shem Elam; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

In his address, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, emphasised on the critical need for the electorate to shun all forms of violence, including ballot box snatching and other related offences during the forthcoming 2027 general elections in the state.

Abdulmajid further said: “These electoral offences significantly undermine the basic democratic processes in electing leaders at the state and council levels.

He also highlighted the importance of adhering to the rule of law, respect for human rights, and active community participation in ensuring peaceful electoral processes across the state, including the border communities with Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.

The Command, however, reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment before, during, and after the electoral processes, and urged the public to remain law abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The event witnessed the participation of key stakeholders, including the Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Ali Umar Bolori; Mala Tijani Ngala, Lucy Dalma; Ambassador Abatcha Nanabe, Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Borno State, as well as district heads, community and religious leaders.

Nanabe appreciated the Command for the timely and proactive engagement of the various communities to sustain peace and development in the state.

He, therefore, assured the commissioner of continued support and cooperation of the communities in promoting peace, discouraging electoral violence, and strengthening collaboration with the police.