From Umar Egbunu Muhammed, Lafia

As the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State begins to heat up, the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Nasarawa State command have threatened to apprehend and prosecute any politician or their supporters who deliberately disturb the peace of the residents of the state while carrying out their political activities across the 14 local government areas of the state.

The police command also stated that such actions are not only unethical but also pose a serious threat to public peace and democratic stability, causing that it will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute politicians or their supporters who deliberately disturb the peace of the residents of the state while carrying out their political activities.

Shetima Jauro Mohammed, the commissioner of police handed down the the warning on Tuesday at the command’s headquarters in Lafia, the state capital, while speaking with Journalists immediately after a meeting with heads and representatives of security agencies in the state.

He also warned politicians against campaigns of calumny, hate speech, and the deliberate spread of falsehood targeted at discrediting opponents or inflaming public sentiments.

According to him, all political activities must be conducted strictly within the ambit of the law.

He, however, admonished political parties and their supporters to obtain the necessary approvals for rallies, comply with established guidelines, and respect the rights of others to assemble and campaign freely without intimidation or harassment.

He continued, “I address you today on behalf of all the security agencies operating within Nasarawa State to reaffirm our collective commitment to the maintenance of peace, law, and order as political activities intensify and the primary elections for the emergence of party flag bearers draw nearer.

“Elections and political engagements are the cornerstone of our democracy. However, they must be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, mutual respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law. It is in this regard that we consider it necessary to speak directly to all political actors, across party lines.

“We strongly urge politicians to refrain from actions and utterances capable of inciting violence or disrupting public peace. Political ambition must never outweigh the sanctity of human life or the stability of our communities.

“We call on all political leaders to take full responsibility for the conduct of their supporters. They must be cautioned against engaging in violent protests, unlawful rallies, thuggery, and any act that could lead to a breakdown of law and order. The era of sponsoring violence—whether directly or indirectly—must come to an end.

“Let me state clearly and unequivocally: security agencies in Nasarawa State will not tolerate any form of politically motivated violence. Any individual or group found instigating, sponsoring, or participating in such acts will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law, regardless of status, position, or political affiliation.”

The CP, therefore, called on the youths across the state to resist any attempt by unscrupulous individuals to use them as instruments of violence, noting that their future is far more valuable than any temporary gain.

“Choose peace, uphold the law, and serve as ambassadors of responsible civic engagement,” he warned the youths.