​Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command deployed for election security duty have arrested 50 armed men claiming to belong to a state-owned security outfit at polling units in Disina State Constituency, Shira Local Government Area, during Saturday’s bye-elections.

According to the Spokesperson of the Command, SP Nafiu Habib, said that the Command had issued a warning to quasi-security groups, private security firms, state outfits, and vigilante groups to stay away from election coverage.

“​Despite the directive, police officers conducting routine coverage in Disina intercepted the suspects heavily armed with firearms, cutlasses, sticks, and other dangerous weapons right inside polling unit premises, violating provisions of the Nigeria Electoral Act.

“​The suspects were immediately taken into custody while the weapons and incriminating exhibits were recovered from the scene,” Nafiu said.

He said that the move was a disregard to lawful orders and a deliberate attempt to breach peace and sabotage the democratic process.

​”The Commissioner has directed that all suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for a discreet investigation and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he added.