As Ondo State approaches its gubernatorial election scheduled for November 16, 2024, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s comprehensive preparedness to guarantee a peaceful and orderly process. Seventeen political parties are set to participate, and the IGP has laid out extensive measures to ensure a secure election environment across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units.
A significant element of these preparations is the strategic deployment of personnel and resources from specialized units within the police force. Officers from the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit will collaborate closely with other federal security agencies to manage security throughout the election.
In addition, specialized teams such as the Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) and the Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS) will be deployed to ensure robust oversight. These deployments are designed to adhere strictly to the Electoral Act, 2022, maintaining transparency, fairness, and order.
To cover all terrains within the state, aerial patrols will be conducted using police helicopters, while gunboats will secure waterways and riverine areas. These additional security layers serve as a deterrent to any potential disruptions and help create a stable environment for voters to exercise their rights without interference.
IGP Egbetokun has also issued a direct warning to any individuals or groups planning to instigate violence or disruptions. He emphasized that such actions would attract the full force of the law, reiterating the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to upholding peace and order throughout the electoral period. This firm stance underscores the police force’s zero-tolerance approach toward election-related disturbances.
In a significant security directive, the IGP has banned quasi-security organizations, including state-backed groups like the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) and Vigilante Corps, from participating in any election-related activities. This decision underscores the police force’s emphasis on federal oversight and consistency in managing election security.
Only federal agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) will be authorized to participate, ensuring that security operations are aligned under one centralized command. This approach is intended to prevent any confusion or conflict of authority that could disrupt the electoral process.
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi further clarified that these comprehensive measures demonstrate the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to safeguarding electoral integrity. By concentrating election security solely under the Nigeria Police Force and select federal agencies, the IGP aims to reinforce public confidence in a transparent and well-managed electoral environment.
Sources
- https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/igp-bans-vigilante-amotekun-others-from-participating-in-ondo-election/amp/
- https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/ig-bans-amotekun-vigilante-from-ondo-poll-warns-against-violence/%3famp
