Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has announced comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process during Saturday’s off-season governorship election in Ondo state.
In preparation for the elections, the IGP deployed Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for the election, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.
This is as the police boss also deployed AIG Bennett Igweh, and CP Tunji Disu as Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and Commissioner of Police (CP) elections, respectively.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a press statement, Thursday, in Abuja, said: “As part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6am to 6pm on Election Day, with the exception of those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.
“Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles will be enforced.
“Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those facing mobility challenges to ensure that polling stations remain accessible.
“Designated election lines have been established for inquiries and reporting incidents. These lines will be publicised as soon as possible.”
The spokesperson further stated: “The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) urges citizens to report all suspicious activities that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment as the state gears up for the elections.
“The Police will also be working with the military and other Federal security agencies as collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are vital to ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully.”
…My charge, DIG Alabi speaks
Addressing journalists on the task, DIG Alabi, in a statement by the FHQ spokesman, ACP Adejobi, emphasised the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies for the election.
The DIG stated that the Force had begun effective deployments of personnel across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in the state.
He assured of the deployment of at least four police officers alongside officers from other security agencies at each polling unit, to ensure a smooth poll.
The statement said: “In a bid to emplace proactive measures against all forms of security threat and interference during the electoral process, the DIG emphasised the importance of Intelligence gathering and firmness.
“These approaches are essential for upholding safety and security, as it assists in identifying and preventing electoral fraud, including vote-buying and manipulation.
“By leveraging intelligence gathering, the police can ensure a secure, free, and fair electoral process. To this end, the Force has carried out a comprehensive threat analysis and as well, deployed adequate personnel to areas identified as vulnerable points during the elections.”
He said DIG Alabi further encouraged a collaborative effort between the NPF and other election security agencies as well as the electorates; even as he reiterated the commitment of the Force to maintaining law and order across the state with adequate contingency plans to respond appropriately to issues that may arise before, during and after the election.
“Citizens are advised to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023, (as amended) and INEC guidelines, as well as all other extant laws of the land, as every electoral offender and troubleshooter would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Adejobi added.
…DHQ explains role
In a related development, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Thursday, said it had deployed troops to strengthen the security arrangement during the governorship election to prevent voter intimidation and ensure hitch-free elections during the governorship polls Saturday.
Director Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Edward Buba disclosed this in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Blueprint.
“Troops are also deployed in strength to provide assistance to the police in ensuring a hitch free off-cycle governorship election in Ondo state, slated for 16 Nov 24.
“Indeed, troops’ presence is to ensure security of citizens enabling them to cast their votes without any form of harassment or intimidation, while keeping mischief makers at bay,” he said.
He said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was already engaged in flying sensitive electoral material in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
…On terrorism fight
On the successes recorded by the military in the fight against insecurity across the country, the defence spokesperson said troops neutralised 88 terrorists and arrested 228 persons in the last one week.
According to him, troops also arrested 40 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages.
He disclosed that in the South-South region of the country, troops denied the oil thieves crude estimated to be worth the sum of One Billion Two Four Million Four Hundred and Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira (N1, 021,412,950.00) only.
He said troops’ offensives had severely depleted ISWAP terrorist rank and file in the North East forcing a desperate recruitment drive.
“Terrorists in the North West are on a recruitment drive on social media for new recruits. Troops are aware of the situation and working with other security agencies and governments to thwart the plans,” he said.
Buba also said troops recovered 84 assorted weapons and 2, 393 assorted ammunition.
Giving a breakdown of the weapons, the army chief said: “34 AK47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, 5 fabricated revolver pistols, 8 locally made pistols, 3 pump action guns and one magnum pump action.
“Others are 1,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 314 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 146 rounds of 7.62mm PKM ammo, 77 rounds of 9mm ammo, 49 live cartridges, 25 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 16 vehicles, 35 motorcycles, 27 mobile phones and the sum of N1,851,000.00 only amongst other items.”