Says detention threatens community security, urges due process and impartial application of law
The Bauchi State Government has called for the immediate and unconditional release of 47 community vigilantes arrested during the Disina State Constituency bye-election in Shira Local Government Area, describing their continued detention as unjustified and potentially disruptive to the state’s community security architecture.
In a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Usman Usman Shehu, the government expressed concern over what it described as the “wrongful and politically motivated application of the rule of law” against the vigilantes, who were arrested during the bye-election held on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
According to the government, the 47 individuals are accredited members of recognised community vigilante structures who had been involved in maintaining peace, security and public order in their respective communities long before the election.
The government maintained that, based on the information available to it, there was no established evidence that the arrested vigilantes interfered with election materials, disrupted voting or obstructed the lawful conduct of the electoral process.
It said their presence in the area was connected with their longstanding community-security responsibilities and efforts to contribute to the maintenance of peace.
The statement added that the affected individuals had maintained following their arrest that they were recognised community peace agents whose responsibilities centred on protecting lives and property rather than interfering with the electoral process.
While acknowledging the constitutional and statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised security agencies in safeguarding elections, the Bauchi State Government stressed that the rule of law must be applied fairly, objectively and without political considerations.
The government expressed concern that the circumstances surrounding the arrests could create the impression that community volunteers were being criminalised because of allegations arising from the political environment surrounding the election.
It therefore urged security authorities to ensure that any allegation of criminal conduct against the arrested individuals is subjected to transparent investigation and due process, with each person treated strictly on the basis of evidence relating to his individual conduct.
According to the statement, community vigilantes have played an important role in complementing conventional security agencies across Bauchi State, particularly through their knowledge of local communities and terrain.
The government warned that removing 47 active community volunteers from their areas for a prolonged period could weaken grassroots security arrangements and create gaps that criminal elements might attempt to exploit.
It consequently appealed to the relevant security authorities to objectively review the circumstances surrounding the arrests and ensure that the fundamental rights of the affected citizens are protected.
“The Bauchi State Government therefore calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the 47 community volunteers arrested under allegations of election-related violence where no individualised evidence of criminal conduct has been established against them,” the statement said.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful democratic participation, respect for the rule of law, protection of citizens’ rights and maintenance of public order.
Dr. Usman Usman Shehu, FIPMD, MNIPR, MNIM
Honourable Commissioner
Ministry of Information and Communication
Bauchi State
Published by Alphapressmedia.com
