The Bauchi State Government has faulted the arrest of 47 members of the Community Vigilante Organisation during the Disina State Constituency by-election in Shira Local Government Area of the state.
The government described the arrests as a serious concern, stressing that the vigilantes had traditionally supported security agencies in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property within their communities.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr Usman Shehu Usman, said the affected vigilantes were recognised community security personnel whose presence during the election was linked to their usual responsibilities of supporting public safety.
The commissioner maintained that, according to the government’s understanding, there was no established evidence that the arrested individuals interfered with electoral materials, disrupted voting or otherwise obstructed the electoral process.
However, the Bauchi State Police Command had earlier said the 47 suspects were arrested at various polling units while allegedly carrying guns, cutlasses and sticks. The police said state-owned security outfits, vigilante groups and other unauthorised security organisations had been warned against participating in election security operations.
The government acknowledged the constitutional responsibility of the police and other authorised security agencies to safeguard elections but called for the rule of law and due process in handling the matter.
It also urged the relevant authorities to review the circumstances surrounding the arrests and release the affected community volunteers where no individual evidence of criminal conduct had been established.
The Bauchi Government further warned that removing active community vigilantes from their communities could weaken local security monitoring and create opportunities for criminal elements to operate with less resistance.
The development followed the September 19, 2026, Disina State Constituency by-election in Shira LGA.
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