By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Kano Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the State Command to delivery of a peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral process as the 2027 election approaches.
He also advocated for peace and collaboration among politicians and other stakeholders.
Bakori made the plea during a one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement and Peaceful Democratic Participation with the theme: “Strengthening Electoral Engagement for Peaceful 2027 General Elections in Nigeria.”
The event was organized by Mambayya House, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, Bayero University Kano (BUK), in collaboration with Alhabibiyya Islamic Society, Abuja.
It was held at the Sa’adu Zungur Auditorium, Mambayya House, Gwammaja, Kano.
Speaking as a Panelist on: “Security Preparations Ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” Bakori reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the Kano State Command to delivering a peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral process.
Bakori noted that, “the provision of election security is a constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force.”
He assured that the Command is fully prepared for 2027 general elections and has already commenced strategic planning to guarantee public safety before, during, and after the elections.
The Kano Police boss disclosed that the Command has commenced the training and retraining of personnel on election security, rules of engagement, and human rights.
He added that the Command is conducting regular stakeholders’ engagements with political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), traditional and religious leaders, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media.
He further highlighted the vibrancy of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Kano, which meets periodically to harmonize security plans.
He added that: “To curb violence, the Command is conducting intelligence-led raids to dismantle political thuggery, arms proliferation, and drug abuse.
“A massive public sensitization campaign against hate speech, fake news, and vote buying is also ongoing across radio, TV, and social media platforms.”
Bakori further stated that a robust, intelligence-driven deployment strategy has been designed for polling units, collation centers, INEC facilities, and other vulnerable areas.
He said: “Priority will be given to the protection of INEC personnel and election materials.”
He emphasized zero tolerance for ballot box snatching and electoral violence and confirmed that Quick Response Teams will be on standby across all 44 Local Government Areas.
He warned officers to remain apolitical, professional, and neutral throughout the process.
The Commissioner of Police assured that security will be sustained at collation centers until the final declaration of results.
He said the Command will manage post-election reactions through strategic deployment to hotspots and continuous dialogue with political leaders.
“All electoral offenders will be investigated and prosecuted, while mop-up operations will continue to recover arms and ammunition used during the elections,” he stated.
Bakori urged political parties to play by the rules and restrain their supporters from violence and election malpractice.
He charged the media to verify information and avoid sensationalism and called on traditional and religious leaders to preach peace.
He specifically appealed to the youth to shun thuggery and embrace peace, noting that, “your future is at stake.”
He encouraged citizens to come out to vote peacefully and report any suspicious activity to the Kano State Police Command via 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926.
Bakori assured residents that the Kano State Police Command, in synergy with other security agencies under ICCES, is fully ready for the 2027 general elections.
“We will secure the process. You secure the peace. Together, we will deliver credible elections in Kano,” he concluded.
