Shi’isu Lawan Adam
In preparation for the forthcoming Babura/Garki Federal Constituency Bye-Election scheduled for August 16, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, CP Muhammad Dahiru,today convened a high-level meeting with members of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at the Command Headquarters, Dutse.
The meeting was aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration and reviewing the overall security architecture for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the bye-election.
Representatives from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Custom Service (NCS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other relevant stakeholders were in attendance.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and sister security agencies to ensure a credible, free and fair election. He emphasized the importance of synergy, intelligence sharing, and adherence to the rule of law, stressing that security agencies must remain apolitical and professional in the discharge of their duties before, during, and after the election.
The CP further warned all political actors and their supporters to play by the rules and avoid any acts capable of disrupting public peace. He reiterated the readiness of the Command to deal decisively with anyone or group found attempting to undermine the electoral process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Jigawa State, in his remarks, commended the efforts of the security agencies in maintaining law and order and expressed confidence in the joint operational framework being put in place for the successful conduct of the election.
Highlights of the meeting included the presentation of the Election Security Threat Assessment, review of roles and responsibilities of participating agencies, discussion on deployment logistics, and establishment of a joint communication channel for real-time coordination.
In a related development, the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Usman Muhammad,, held a strategic meeting with political party leaders and House of Representatives candidates contesting in the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency bye-election.
The meeting, was convened at the State Police Headquarters, Dutse, formed part of the Command’s proactive measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, credible, and violence-free electoral process. It was attended by representatives of major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other relevant stakeholders.
In his address, the Commissioner of Police emphasized the importance of political tolerance, maturity, and respect for the rule of law by all political actors before, during, and after the election. He reiterated the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), sister security agencies, and other critical stakeholders to provide adequate security for the successful conduct of the bye-election.He also warned against any form of political thuggery, vote buying, hate speech, or incitement that could jeopardize the peace and stability of the state.
CP Dahiru Usman Muhammad further assured all parties and candidates of a level playing ground and urged them to caution their supporters against engaging in acts capable of breaching public order.
The meeting provided an interactive platform for the candidates and party leaders to express their views, concerns, and suggestions regarding the security arrangements for the election. All the participants pledged their commitment to peaceful conduct and signed a peace accord to demonstrate their resolve to uphold democratic values throughout the electoral process.
The Jigawa State Police Command remains committed to working in close partnership with all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful electoral process in line with the electoral laws and constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.The Command urges residents of Babura and Garki to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest security formation.
