Nasarawa Police Tighten Security Ahead of August 19 Campaigns

The Nasarawa State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will commence a continuous show of force across the state ahead of the commencement of political campaigns on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The operation is aimed at reassuring residents of the readiness of security agencies to protect lives and property, maintain law and order and provide a secure environment for political activities.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement, saying the exercise would cover the three senatorial districts of the state.

The operation will begin in Lafia, the state capital, before moving to the Northern Senatorial District, covering Nasarawa Eggon, Wamba and Akwanga Local Government Areas.

It will subsequently extend to the Western Senatorial District, including Keffi, Karu and Nasarawa local government areas, before continuing across other parts of the state.

Security personnel will be deployed to entry and exit points into the state, strategic locations and other critical areas as part of efforts to strengthen security ahead of the political campaign season.

The exercise will also involve intensive stop-and-search operations aimed at detecting and preventing the movement of criminal elements, weapons and other prohibited items.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, said the operation was a proactive security measure and was not directed at any political party, group or individual.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, assuring them that the increased presence of security personnel was intended to enhance public safety rather than create fear.

“The exercise is not targeted at any individual, group, political party or organisation. It is a proactive security measure designed solely to safeguard lives and property, maintain public order, and ensure a peaceful and secure environment for residents and visitors to the state,” Mohammed said.

The commissioner urged residents to cooperate with security personnel during stop-and-search operations and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station or other security agency.

He said the heavy deployment of personnel, particularly in Lafia and other strategic locations, should not be misconstrued as a cause for alarm.

The command said the operation was also designed to demonstrate the preparedness of security agencies to manage the security challenges that could arise from increased political activities as parties and candidates begin campaigns for the forthcoming elections.

The police assured residents and visitors that security agencies would continue to work jointly to prevent crime, maintain public order and protect the state throughout the campaign period.

The command further urged political actors and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and comply with relevant laws and regulations governing political campaigns.

The continuous show of force is expected to continue across the state as security agencies intensify preparations for the political season.