By Adamu Imam, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has condemned the arrest and detention of 47 members of the Community Vigilante Organisation in Shira Local Government Area during the Disina State Constituency by-election held on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Usman Shehu, the government described the arrest as a serious and dangerous disruption to the state’s security architecture.
According to the government, the vigilante network has for years contributed significantly to Bauchi’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the North-East.
“Removing members of this localised security structure from their communities creates an immediate security concern,” the statement said.
The government said the persons arrested are accredited members of community vigilante structures who have offered themselves for community service and have been involved in maintaining peace and public order long before the by-election.
It said there was no established evidence that the arrested persons interfered with electoral materials or the electoral process, insisting their presence was connected to their traditional community-security responsibilities.
“The arrests were carried out on the basis of allegations associated with election security without evidence demonstrating that the individuals had tampered with electoral materials, disrupted voting or otherwise interfered with the lawful conduct of the election,” the statement said.
The government added that upon arrest, the affected individuals maintained that they are recognised peace agents whose responsibility is to protect lives and property.
While recognising the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in safeguarding elections, the state government said it expects the rule of law to be applied fairly and without political considerations.
“It is disheartening that the Bauchi State Police Command appears to have allowed itself to be influenced by attempts by sections of the opposition to politically blackmail and criminalise members of a civil organisation who have historically offered themselves for community service,” the government alleged.
It stressed that community volunteers should not be subjected to political victimisation merely because of their status or lawful responsibilities, adding that any allegation of criminal conduct should be established through transparent investigation and due process.
The government noted that the relatively secure and peaceful environment in Bauchi is largely attributed to the efforts of local vigilantes who bring intimate knowledge of their terrain to support the fight against criminality.
“Removing 47 active and dedicated volunteers from the frontline could create avoidable security challenges and provide opportunities for criminal elements to operate with reduced community-level monitoring,” it warned.
The Bauchi State Government therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of the 47 non-partisan community volunteers where no individualised evidence of criminal conduct has been established against them.
It also called on relevant security authorities to review the circumstances of the arrests objectively and ensure that the fundamental rights of the affected citizens are protected.
“The Bauchi State Government remains committed to peaceful democratic participation, the rule of law, the protection of citizens’ rights and the maintenance of public order,” the statement added.
Bauchi state Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed
