Police in Katsina State said at the weekend that they intercepted 850 cutlasses, which were allegedly smuggled in by a political party ahead of the general election.
Deputy Commissioner Police Bala Zama Senchi, who disclosed this at a meeting with political parties in the state, however, declined to mention the party.
Senchi, who noted that the cutlasses were new, warned that the command would not tolerate thuggery or any act capable of causing unrest before, during and after the elections.
He said politicians must operate within the ambit of the law.
He added that the police are non partisan and committed to ensuring peaceful conduct of the exercise.
Senchi called on parties to submit their campaign timetables to the police to avoid clashes and confrontations during campaigns.
“We must collaborate for a successful election,” he said.