The Kano State Police Command has announced movement restrictions in Kano Municipal and Ungogo Local Government Areas ahead of the February 21, 2026, State Assembly by-elections.
The decision followed a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security chaired by the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Kano, Zango Abdu, held on February 19, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the command said the committee concluded security arrangements for the by-elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
The Co-Chair of ICCES and Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, assured residents that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had put measures in place to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, credible and transparent exercise.
According to the statement, movement of motor vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles will be strictly restricted from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, being election day.
Exceptions will only apply to vehicles on essential duties, including ambulances, fire service trucks, and those conveying electoral officers and accredited observers.
The command stated that only eligible voters would be allowed access to polling units, while only party agents officially identified by INEC would be permitted at the voting centres.
It stressed that the carrying of weapons of any kind is strictly prohibited. Individuals wearing clothing or carrying items bearing political party logos or identities will not be allowed at polling units. Loitering in or around voting centres will also not be tolerated.
The police further noted that state-backed security outfits such as vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch, Hisbah and KAROTA personnel would not be allowed at polling units.
The command assured residents that security agencies would remain apolitical, impartial and professional in the discharge of their duties. It urged residents of the affected LGAs and visitors to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to ensure a smooth and hitch-free electoral process.
The police wished the people of Kano State a peaceful and successful by-election and encouraged members of the public to report emergencies or suspicious activities through designated phone lines.
