The Bauchi State Police Command has restricted vehicular movement and commercial activities in the state ahead of the upcoming bye-election.
The restriction is part of security measures to control movement around the electoral areas and create a secure environment for the conduct of the poll.
Essential-duty personnel and others performing approved election-related functions will be exempted.
It was gathered on Thursday that the affected constituencies are Disina State Constituency in Shira Local Government Area and Sakwa State Constituency in Zaki Local Government Area, with the restriction being enforced from 6am to 6pm on Saturday.
Police spokesman, Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrangement in a statement, saying INEC officials, accredited election observers, emergency responders and essential-duty personnel would be permitted to move during the restricted period.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the deployment of police personnel and operational assets to the two constituencies to secure the election.
Moreover, the command said the deployment would be carried out alongside other recognised security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
Security aides attached to VIPs, political office holders and other public officials have also been barred from accompanying their principals to polling units and collation centres.
Furthermore, the police prohibited the use of sirens and covered number plates during the election, while vigilante groups, private security guards and other quasi-security outfits would not be allowed to participate in election security operations.
Only statutorily recognised security agencies operating under the ICCES framework will provide security coverage for the exercise, according to the command.
Police warned political actors and residents against vote-buying, vote-selling, hate speech, fake news, cyberbullying, thuggery and other conduct capable of disrupting the election.
Also, the command warned that anybody found with dangerous weapons or other incriminating materials at polling units would be arrested and prosecuted.
Aliyu assured residents of the two constituencies that the police would protect lives and property while ensuring that political parties and candidates operate in a secure environment.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process.