Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, revealed that the Inspector General of Police has directed the deployment of officers from several specialised police units to ensure the election’s security.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a ban on the participation of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and other vigilante groups in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.
The election, set for November 16, 2024, will see 17 political parties contesting.
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, revealed that the Inspector General has directed the deployment of officers from several specialised police units to ensure the election’s security. The specialized units include the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit.
The police will also conduct aerial surveillance using helicopters, while gunboats will monitor the state’s waterways to secure riverine areas.
“As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, approaches, the Inspector General of Police has assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s full commitment to a peaceful and orderly process,” Adejobi stated. “We have comprehensive plans to ensure smooth elections, with strategic deployment of personnel, resources, and cutting-edge equipment across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.”
The IG has emphasised a strict adherence to the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring fairness and transparency in the electoral process. Officers from various police units and federal security agencies will coordinate under the framework of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
The statement outlined that apart from ground security efforts, police helicopters would be used for aerial patrols, while gunboats would safeguard the waterways. These measures aim to deter disruptions and maintain stability throughout the electoral process.
Egbetokun also issued a stern warning to any individuals or groups intending to disrupt the elections. “Political thugs or anyone planning violence will face the full force of the law. We will not tolerate any attempts to compromise the peace and security of the state,” Adejobi quoted the IG as saying.
The IG further clarified that only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to oversee security during the elections. “No quasi-security group, including state-backed outfits like Amotekun or the Vigilante Corps, will be permitted to participate in the election process,” the statement read.
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