The Inspector General of Police in Nigeria, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has barred all quasi-security outfits, including privately owned Security Guards, vigilante and Amotekun Corps, which is South Western Nigeria Security Network from participating in Saturday November 16th 2024 governorship election which 17 political parties parties on the ballot.
Police Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this on Sunday in a statement where he assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in Ondo State.
He issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law.
He emphasized that the message is clear—those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.
The security of this election, according to the statement, is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
Egbetokun who warned against political interference and act of violence, assured that the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity.
The deployment will see officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).
He further stated that the deployment is in addition to Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS), working in concert with other security agencies.
The deployment would be supported by other security agencies that will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.
The IGP stressed that aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.
The comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the election.
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