The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the arrest of no fewer than 100 suspected political thugs during Saturday’s by-election in the Bagwai/Shanono constituency of Kano State.
The Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Abdu Zango, disclosed this to journalists at the INEC local government headquarters in Bagwai, saying the suspects were apprehended while attempting to disrupt the voting process.
According to him, the operation was made possible through the heavy deployment of security personnel, including officers of the Nigerian Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who mounted barricades at strategic points within the constituency.
“Not fewer than 100 suspected political thugs have been arrested in connection with attempts to destabilise the by-election. The arrests were made to ensure that the exercise is conducted peacefully. All those arrested will be prosecuted accordingly,” Zango stated.
He noted that although some polling units experienced late arrival of sensitive election materials and disruption in the early hours, voting commenced between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. in most areas.
The REC further assured that security agencies had restored calm in all affected communities, allowing voters to continue casting their ballots without fear of intimidation.
“I want to commend the security operatives for their swift action. As of now, voting is ongoing peacefully across the Bagwai/Shanono constituency,” Zango added.
