• Ban state security outfits, vigilant from polling units

Police command has announced 18 hours movement restriction in Kano metropolis ahead of Saturday’s by-election in the state.

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct by-election in Municipal and Ungogo state constituencies to replace two members of the house of assembly who died same day last year.

According to the command, movement of vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles is strictly restricted from 12:00am to 6:00pm of Saturday, 21st, February 2026 will be restricted within the two constituencies.

The police issued the restriction among other security guidelines for the election after the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security meeting held at the command’s headquarters on Friday.

According to the guideline released by the command’s spokesperson CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, exception on movement will be granted to vehicles on essential services.

The forum also prohibited movement of weapons and Individuals wearing clothing or parading items that symbolizes party logos or identities.

” On movement restriction, exception will be granted to ambulances, fire service trucks, and vehicles of electoral officers and accredited election observers.

“Access to Polling Units will be allowed only to eligible voters. Only agents officially identified by INEC will be permitted at polling units.

“Loitering in or around polling units will not be tolerated. State Security Outfits such as Vigilante Groups, Neighborhood Watch, Hisbah, KAROTA personnel will not be allowed at polling units”. Kiyawa said.

The Command assured the public of its commitment to providing adequate security and maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.

He maintained that Security agencies will continue to remain apolitical, impartial, professional, neutral, and civil in the discharge of their duties.

He urged residents of the affected LGAs and visitors alike to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to ensure a smooth and hitch-free electoral process, added that residents should report any case of malpractice to appropriate quarters for prompt action.