The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has approved the deployment of three Deputy Commissioners of Police to the three senatorial districts of the state, ahead of the November 1 local council elections. The deployment is meant for security monitoring and supervision in each area.

The spokesman of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement, said, “This is in addition to massive deployment of police personnel and operational assets including tactical teams such as 12pmf, 61pmf, Counter terrorism unit (CTU), EOD-CBRN, Special protection unit (SPU), Tactical support team (TST), Crack squad, and Anti-kidnapping unit, as well as other security agencies under Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to provide security coverage at all the (4,950) polling units and (274) wards of the 25 local councils in the state.”

Abiodun further noted that an Operation Order for the election duty has been issued to all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and DPOs, stressing that their specific responsibilities include escorting and protecting both sensitive and non-sensitive materials, as well as providing a conducive environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise.

The Commissioner of Police had reiterated the command’s readiness to provide adequate security for a peaceful and credible election.

The police boss, however, advised all the political parties to play by the rules and warned youths or anyone who may want to foment trouble that security agencies will not hesitate to clamp down on such persons.

He stated that enforcement of vehicular movement and restriction shall commence from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day, except for officials on essential duties.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State earlier declared Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31, 2025, as public holidays ahead of the Saturday local council elections in the state.

The governor announced this on Wednesday in Minna, exempting essential service providers.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago said, “We have declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays, but those who are handling essential services like hospitals, banks, and security are exempted from the public holiday.”

The governor, however, encouraged the electorate to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and harmonious manner for the progress and development of Niger State.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State, and the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, have advised residents to participate in the local council elections.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Minna, Bishop Yohanna emphasised the importance of voter turnout and observed that voter apathy could undermine the democratic process. (The Guardian)