Police arrest 54 armed persons deployed to disrupt by-election in Bauchi
The Police Command in Bauchi State says it has arrested 54 heavily armed people allegefly deployed to disrupt Saturday’s by-election for Disina House of Assembly seat in Shira Local Government Area.
The command said in a statement that about 50 operatives claiming to be members of a state-owned security outfit were first arrested in various polling units durinh the election.
“In a separate intelligence-led operation within Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, operatives attached to the election security deployment intercepted and arrested four suspects who were on illegal election duty.
The suspects, who were heavily armed at a polling unit in contravention of the Electoral Act, were found in possession of eight firearms and other incriminating items, including five AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one pistol, one long-range tear gas/smoke gun launcher and a sharp knife.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects were mobilized to disrupt the electoral process and cause breach of peace in the area,” the statement issued by the command’s spokesman, SP Nasir Habib said.
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu has ordered that the suspects and exhibits be further investigated and prosecuted.
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