Bauchi Police Arrest 172 Suspects, Rescue 29 Kidnap Victims Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 172 suspects and rescued 29 kidnapped victims during security operations as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The command also recovered four AK-47 rifles, other weapons, motor vehicles, motorcycles, counterfeit US dollar notes, mobile phones and additional exhibits during the period under review.

The figures were disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib. The announcement followed an operational assessment visit to Bauchi by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Baba Zango, who oversees the North-East geopolitical zone and is in charge of Research and Planning.

According to the statement, Zango’s visit was aimed at strengthening security preparations, preventing electoral violence and protecting lives and property before, during and after the 2027 elections. He commended the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders for supporting efforts to maintain peace.

The deputy inspector-general directed the command to continue identifying and documenting areas vulnerable to security threats. The information, he said, would help guide the deployment of personnel and equipment by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. He also called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), traditional rulers and community leaders.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu identified political thuggery, destruction of campaign materials and other electoral threats as key concerns. He said the command had begun securing INEC facilities, political party offices and other sensitive locations, while conducting operations in identified criminal hideouts alongside other security agencies.

The commissioner also outlined plans to train officers for election duties, engage political stakeholders and traditional rulers, and establish an Election Situation Room and an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. The command is seeking additional personnel and equipment to provide security across the state’s 5,423 polling units.

Aliyu appealed for more officers, operational vehicles, anti-riot equipment, communication devices, drones and closed-circuit television cameras. He also requested two additional Police Mobile Force squadrons to improve operational coverage. Zango reportedly assured the command that its requests and observations would be presented to the inspector-general for consideration.

The Bauchi police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and supporting a peaceful, free and fair election in 2027. However, the statement did not provide a breakdown of the 172 arrests, the circumstances of the 29 rescues or the period covered by the operations.