Over 100 Political Thugs Arrested During Kano By-Election, INEC Says

Over 100 Political Thugs Arrested During Kano By-Election, INEC Says

The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed the arrest of over 100 suspected political thugs during the ongoing by-election in Kano State.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano, Abdu Zango, disclosed this on Saturday while speaking with journalists after inspecting polling units in Bagwai town.

According to him, security operatives apprehended the suspects in Bagwai Local Government Area as they attempted to disrupt voting in the Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency.

Zango said the individuals were armed and had planned to interfere with the electoral process, but were swiftly intercepted by security personnel.

“The presence of security operatives in the area helped to stabilise polling units that were initially disrupted by the thugs,” he said.

He noted that electoral officers received all necessary materials across designated polling units, although some areas experienced delays in the commencement of voting due to logistics challenges and the disturbance caused by the arrests.

The REC explained that most polling units eventually commenced voting between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Zango assured that those arrested would face prosecution, while commending security agencies for their prompt response in ensuring that the by-election proceeded peacefully.