By-Election: Police Impose 18-Hour Movement Restriction in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has announced an 18-hour restriction on movement across parts of the metropolis ahead of Saturday’s by-election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct by-elections in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies to fill vacancies created by the death of two members of the State House of Assembly on the same day last year.

In a statement issued following an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security meeting held at the command headquarters, the police said the restriction would be in effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, within the affected constituencies.

According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the movement of vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles will be prohibited during the period, except for those on essential duties. Exemptions will apply to ambulances, fire service trucks, and vehicles conveying electoral officials and accredited election observers.

The police also banned the carrying of weapons and the display of items or clothing bearing party symbols. Only eligible voters and INEC-accredited party agents will be allowed access to polling units, while loitering in and around voting centres will not be tolerated.

In addition, state-backed security outfits such as Vigilante Groups, Neighbourhood Watch, Hisbah, and KAROTA personnel have been barred from operating at polling units.

The command assured residents of adequate security and pledged that security agencies would remain neutral, professional, and apolitical throughout the electoral process.

Residents of the affected local government areas, as well as visitors, were urged to cooperate with law enforcement officers and promptly report any electoral malpractice to the appropriate authorities to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.