By Mustapha Salisu
Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel has disclosed that the March 18 Gubernatorial / State House of Assembly elections in the state were conducted peacefully courtesy of the efforts of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba for enhancing operational capacity of the Command.
CP Mohammed made the disclosure while briefing newsmen Today on post-election security situation in Kano state at the Command Headquarters, Bompai.
The CP disclosed that, prior to the Guber/State House of Assembly polls, the IGP, having reviewed the successes and challenges recorded during the last Presidential / National Assembly elections, deployed a Police Air-Wing Surveillance Helicopter, additional Manpower, Operational Vehicles and Anti-riot equipment to Kano.
“Similarly, there was a series of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meetings in which the strategies were modified and a number of strategic communications aimed at public enlightenment and sensitization to ensure serene and peaceful election processes were issued”
“During the election, the State was sectorized and the heads of security agencies in the State as well as the Command’s Operational Commanders carried out round-the-clock visibility supervision and confidence-building patrols” He added.
CP Gumel unbundled successes recorded by the Command from 12 am of March 18th to this time as thus; A total of One Hundred and Sixty-One (161) suspects were arrested for involving in offences ranging from vote buying, destruction of election materials, attempt to burn down Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office of Local Government Areas (LGAs) Collation Centres, being in possession of offensive weapons, being in possession of illicit drugs and combustibles.
He gave identity of the suspect as one Hon. Isyaku Ali Danja, a member of Kano State House of Assembly representing Gezawa Constituency for leading thugs, and attempted to attack Gezawa Local Government Area INEC Collation Centre and the Police Divisional Headquarters of Gezawa LGA.
Adding that, “Meanwhile, the just inaugurated Special Investigation Team consisting of Police Lawyers, seasoned Prosecutors and well-trained investigators are directed to speed up the process without delay as recently directed by the Inspector-General of Police”
The CP explained that, while collation of the election results is ongoing, the Command in conjunction with other security agencies in the State, has embarked on serious confidence-building patrol and Show of Force to surmount any likely emerging threat.
CP Gumel assured the good people of Kano State of their security and safety and also urged them to avoid spreading fake news and hate speeches capable of disrupting peace in the State.
“Also when results are announced, avoid all forms of reckless celebrations that may likely cause death, injury or damage to property” He warned.
