Police Deploy Personnel, Restrict Movement Ahead of Gombe By-Election

The Gombe State Police Command has deployed personnel and operational assets across the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency ahead of Saturday’s by-election, scheduled for September 19, 2026.

The command said the deployment was designed to provide security before, during and after the election, which will take place across Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye Local Government Areas.

Police personnel have been deployed to Independent National Electoral Commission offices, collation centres, polling units and other strategic locations across the constituency.

The command, working with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, also announced restrictions on movement and the closure of commercial activities in the three local government areas from 6am to 6pm on election day.

The restriction excludes essential services, although personnel involved in such services have been warned against using sirens, unregistered vehicles or vehicles with covered number plates.

Commissioner of Police Umar Ahmed Chuso urged political actors, candidates and supporters to avoid violence, intimidation and other conduct capable of disrupting the poll.

It also cautioned voters and political agents against brandishing weapons or possessing incriminating items at polling units.

The by-election is being conducted to fill the vacant Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. Nearly 500,000 registered voters are expected to participate across 31 Registration Areas and 903 Polling Units.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has identified Gombe and Funakaye as areas requiring heightened security attention because of concerns over political thuggery. Kwami also presents security considerations, including its proximity to Borno State and recent attacks attributed to herders.

The police said its operations would continue beyond voting to cover the movement of electoral materials and officials and the collation of results.

Authorities have urged residents to comply with the movement restriction and cooperate with security personnel throughout the exercise.

The police also appealed to political parties and their supporters to use lawful channels to resolve disputes rather than resorting to violence.

The command said the objective was to protect voters, electoral officials, materials and other stakeholders while ensuring that the election takes place peacefully.

With political activity increasing ahead of the 2027 general elections, the security arrangements are being closely watched by residents and stakeholders.