Borno Police Move to Curb Electoral Violence, Warn Youths Against Thuggery

Borno Police Move to Curb Electoral Violence, Warn Youths Against Thuggery

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Borno State Police Command has intensified efforts to forestall electoral violence in the state, warning residents—especially young people—against political thuggery and other acts capable of undermining democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The police gave the warning during a community sensitisation and stakeholder engagement held at the Lamisula Police Divisional Headquarters in Maiduguri, where security officials and community leaders gathered to discuss the need for peaceful participation in the electoral process.

Addressing participants, the Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Naziru Abdulmajid, said the electorate must reject violence and all forms of electoral misconduct if democracy is to thrive at the grassroots and beyond.

He said the police would not tolerate actions such as ballot box snatching, intimidation of voters, disruption of polling activities, or other offences that threaten the credibility of elections.

“Electoral violence and related offences pose a serious threat to democratic values and peaceful coexistence. The public must understand that credible elections can only take place in an atmosphere of peace, order, rights, and sustained community collaboration in ensuring peaceful elections, including in border communities near Cameroon, Chad, and respect for the law,” the commissioner said.

Mr Abdulmajid noted that the command’s engagement with communities was part of a broader strategy to educate residents on their civic responsibilities and strengthen trust between the police and the public before the next electoral cycle.

He also stressed the need for communities to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts to prevent political unrest, particularly in vulnerable areas across the state.

The police commissioner further highlighted the importance of adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights, and sustained community collaboration in ensuring peaceful elections, including in border communities near Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

The engagement was attended by members of the Police Management Team, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Evans Shem Elam; Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, Babagana Saje; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administration, Ibrahim M. Sumaila.

Also present were Divisional Police Officers from across Maiduguri and senior officers of the command, alongside political and community stakeholders.

Among them were the Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Ali Umar Bolori; Mala Tijani Ngala; Lucy Dalma; the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Abatcha Nanabe; district heads; religious leaders; and representatives of various communities.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Mr Nanabe commended the police for taking what he described as a proactive step toward sustaining peace and stability in Borno.

He said early engagement with the public would go a long way in discouraging violence and improving public confidence in the electoral system.

“This kind of sensitisation is timely and necessary. Communities have a major role to play in promoting peace and discouraging violence before, during, and after elections,” he said.

The police command reiterated its commitment to providing a secure environment for residents and ensuring that future elections in the state are conducted peacefully and in line with democratic principles.

It also urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities or movements to the nearest police station.