Ahead of the October 5 Local Government elections in Jigawa State, the State Police Command has pledged to crack down on notorious political thugs to ensure a violence-free exercise. The Commissioner of Police, A.T. Abdullahi, revealed the plan during a press briefing in Dutse on Tuesday, emphasizing that removing disruptive elements from circulation is crucial for maintaining peace during the elections.
The police command has initiated efforts to identify areas known for harboring political thugs and will take preventive measures to curb any potential unrest. “We have commenced moves to identify the black spots of political thugs. We shall go after them before the election. Some of the notorious ones will be arrested and held until after the election,” Abdullahi stated.
In collaboration with the Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission, state officials, and key stakeholders, the command is holding consultative meetings to strategize for a peaceful electoral process. A significant part of this initiative will be a peace accord that all candidates and party leaders will be required to sign, committing to a violence-free election.
The Commissioner assured that all necessary security measures would be put in place to prevent election disruptions. He emphasized that proactive steps are being taken to maintain Jigawa’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. “We’re working round the clock to ensure that the state maintains its position as one of the most peaceful states in the country,” he said.
The move to tackle political thuggery is expected to contribute to a smooth and transparent election process on October 5.
