Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission has identified Gombe and Funakaye Local Government Areas of Gombe State as high-risk locations ahead of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Umar-Mukhtar Gajiram, disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, where he urged security agencies to strengthen preventive measures to ensure a peaceful poll.
According to Gajiram, the commission’s electoral security risk assessment highlighted concerns over the activities of political thugs, commonly known as “Kalare boys,” in Gombe and Funakaye LGAs.
He said, “Gombe and Funakaye LGAs have been identified as areas of high electoral risk, particularly due to the activities of political thugs, popularly referred to as ‘Kalare boys’.”
The REC noted that the activities of such groups could threaten the conduct of the election through voter intimidation, disruption of polling activities and interference with election officials and electoral materials.
He also identified Kwami Local Government Area as a location requiring heightened security attention due to recent attacks linked to herders and its proximity to Borno State.
“Similarly, Kwami LGA presents its own security considerations. The area has recently witnessed attacks attributed to herders, while its proximity to Borno State also requires heightened vigilance, particularly in relation to the movement of persons and the possibility of insecurity spilling across territorial boundaries,” he said.
Gajiram explained that the risk assessment was aimed at helping security agencies identify vulnerabilities and deploy resources effectively, stressing that no community was being singled out or stigmatised.
He appealed to security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and closely monitor individuals or groups capable of disrupting the electoral process, particularly in identified flashpoints.
“I particularly appeal for close monitoring of the activities of political thugs and other groups capable of disrupting the peace, especially in identified high-risk locations,” he said.
The REC, however, urged security personnel to act within the law and avoid arbitrary actions against residents.
“Our approach must remain lawful and evidence-based. Innocent citizens must not be harassed or prevented from exercising their rights on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations,” he added.
According to INEC, the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency comprises three local government areas, 31 registration areas and 903 polling units, with a total of 495,851 registered voters expected to participate in the by-election.
Gajiram said all non-sensitive election materials had been received by the commission, while training for Supervisory Presiding Officers had been completed and training for Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers was ongoing. He also called for adequate protection of election personnel, polling units, collation centres and electoral materials, stressing that the credibility of the election depends on a secure and professional environment.
