By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Yobe State Police Command has warned political thugs, sponsors and other individuals against acts capable of disrupting peace and security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kamfani Jibrin, issued the warning after a State Security Council meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana.
Jibrin said the meeting reviewed the security situation across the state and approved additional strategies to tackle emerging criminal activities.
He said Yobe had recorded significant progress in maintaining peace and law and order, with security statistics indicating a relatively low crime rate this year.
The commissioner, however, expressed concern over emerging political activities and incidents of thuggery and hooliganism as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
He said some political movements had witnessed minor disturbances, leading to arrests, although no major political rallies had been held in the state.
“We have taken control of the situation, made some arrests, and those arrested will soon be charged to court,” Jibrin said.
He assured political parties and their supporters of adequate security during lawful activities, warning that anyone who attempted to disrupt political gatherings would face the full weight of the law.
Jibrin urged politicians and their supporters to focus on issues and policies rather than violence, stressing that elections could not be won through attacks, destruction of property or intimidation.
He specifically condemned vehicle vandalism, physical attacks, possession of weapons and other forms of political violence.
The commissioner also warned that security agencies would target sponsors of political violence alongside those directly involved.
“We cannot look away. Nobody is above the law, and we will also go after the sponsors of such activities,” he said.
Jibrin further urged youths not to allow themselves to be recruited for political violence, advising them to identify individuals who might attempt to engage them in criminal activities.
On recent arrests, the commissioner said they followed an incident involving an APC candidate and former Secretary to the Yobe State Government during a visit to some Emirate Councils.
He explained that although the visit was not an open political campaign, suspected touts allegedly attempted to disrupt the candidate’s movement out of Machina town.
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