ICCES Finalises Security Plans for Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Bye-Election, Assures Voters of Peaceful Poll

The Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Kano State has concluded strategic security preparations for the forthcoming Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency bye-election scheduled for June 20, 2026, assuring residents of adequate protection throughout the electoral process.

The committee reached the resolution during a high-level meeting held on Tuesday at the Conference Hall of the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano, where stakeholders reviewed security arrangements, logistics, and collaborative measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and credible election.

The meeting was chaired by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kano State and Chairman of ICCES, Ambassador Zango Abdu, mni. The Co-Chairman, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isa Mani, attended alongside representatives of key security and government agencies.

Among the agencies represented were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Federal Fire Service.

Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Zango Abdu underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring that eligible voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation, or disruption.

He disclosed that INEC had completed all necessary preparations for the bye-election and commended security agencies for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining peace and order.

Representing the Commissioner of Police, DCP Lawal Isa Mani reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to providing a secure environment before, during, and after the election.

According to him, comprehensive deployment plans have been developed to cover polling units, collation centres, and other critical locations across Dawakin Kudu and Warawa Local Government Areas.

He also noted that the security situation in Kano State remains stable and generally peaceful, while calling for enhanced intelligence sharing among ICCES members to proactively address potential threats.

DCP Mani further cautioned against the spread of fake news and misinformation capable of inciting violence or undermining public confidence in the electoral process. He urged members of the public and media organisations to verify information through official sources before publication or dissemination.

According to statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Kano State Police Command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa,
the meeting, participants reviewed threat assessments, finalised deployment strategies, and agreed on rapid-response mechanisms to address any security challenges that may arise on election day.

The committee also deliberated on voter education, protection of electoral materials, and enforcement of movement restrictions in accordance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

ICCES reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward electoral violence, vote buying, and other forms of electoral malpractice, directing all security agencies to remain neutral, professional, and firm in carrying out their responsibilities.

On behalf of ICCES, the Kano State Police Command assured residents of the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of adequate security measures and encouraged eligible voters to participate actively in the election.

“The security architecture in place is designed to guarantee peace and protect the integrity of the election,” the committee stated.