The Bauchi State Police Command has announced heightened security measures across the state as preparations intensify for the local government council elections scheduled for Monday, August 17.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, said the command had developed a broad security strategy aimed at protecting voters, electoral officials and materials while ensuring the exercise is conducted peacefully across the state’s 20 local government areas.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to Habib, police personnel had already been deployed to strategic locations as part of efforts to prevent security breaches before, during and after the polls.

He said, “As part of the preparations, the command has strategically deployed personnel across the state to reinforce security and guarantee the safety of lives, property and electoral materials before, during and after the elections.”

The police also issued a strong warning to politicians, their supporters and other residents against any attempt to undermine the election.

Habib said, “The command hereby warns that any act of electoral violence, ballot box snatching, thuggery, vote buying and selling, intimidation of voters, or disruption of the electoral process will be met with the full weight of the law.

“Perpetrators, sponsors and their accomplices, irrespective of status or affiliation, will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”

Aliyu further directed personnel assigned to the election to remain professional and politically neutral, while respecting the rights of citizens and operating within the provisions of the law.

The statement said, “Aliyu further assures residents that all security personnel deployed for the exercise will conduct themselves with the highest level of professionalism, neutrality and respect for human rights, and in strict compliance with extant laws.”

The command appealed to residents to participate in the election without fear and urged them to assist the security agencies by reporting suspicious movements or activities.

“The command therefore reassures the good people of Bauchi State of a safe and secure environment to exercise their franchise. Citizens are encouraged to come out en masse to vote and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines,” the statement said.