The Independent National Electoral Commission has identified Gombe and Funakaye Local Government Areas of Gombe State as high-risk areas ahead of Saturday’s by-election into the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Umar-Mukhtar Gajiram, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in the state.

Gajiram said INEC’s electoral security assessment identified the activities of political thugs, popularly known as “Kalare boys”, as a major concern in Gombe and Funakaye.

He warned that such groups could intimidate voters, disrupt polling and interfere with electoral officials and materials if not properly monitored.

The REC also identified Kwami Local Government Area as a security concern following recent attacks attributed to herders and its proximity to Borno State, which he said required increased vigilance against possible insecurity spilling across state boundaries.

He stressed that the classification of the areas as high-risk was not intended to stigmatise any community but to help security agencies identify vulnerabilities and deploy preventive measures.

Gajiram urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing, particularly on individuals and groups capable of disrupting the election.

He, however, cautioned security personnel against arbitrary actions, stressing that their interventions must remain lawful and evidence-based to prevent innocent citizens from being harassed or denied their voting rights.

According to INEC, the constituency comprises three local government areas, 31 registration areas and 903 polling units, with 495,851 registered voters.

Gajiram said the size of the election required effective security planning and coordination among relevant agencies.

He disclosed that all non-sensitive electoral materials had been received, while training for Supervisory Presiding Officers had been completed and that of Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers was ongoing.

The REC urged security agencies to protect INEC personnel, electoral materials, polling units, registration areas and collation centres.

He also called on security personnel to remain professional and impartial, stressing that their duty was to protect voters and the electoral process rather than any political party or candidate.

The Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.