Three Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) have been dispatched by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to oversee security arrangements and ensure that the governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo States are held on November 11.
The Department of Force Intelligence’s Deputy Inspector-General of Police, or DIG, is in command of them. Deployed to Kogi State is Habu Sani; DIG In head of the Department of Information and Communication Technology assigned to DIG and Bayelsa State is Daniel Sokari-Pedro. Frank Mba, the Director of Training and Development’s Department, who is assigned to supervise Imo State’s elections;
During a briefing on police readiness in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that the IGP had also directed the deployment of an extra 220 operational vehicles to the three states, along with the deployment of five police helicopters and more than fifteen gunboats for aerial patrols of the surrounding waterways and riverine areas.
“Our democracy places the utmost priority on the upcoming off-cycle elections in the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, and the Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to ensuring that these elections are free, fair, secure, and credible,” stated the Force PRO.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made extensive preparations to guarantee that the next elections are successful.
In order to ensure law and order and provide security during the electioneering process, we have strategically dispatched our troops to these states. Officers and men assigned to election duty have received training on professionalism, neutrality, and best practises.
Our goal is to establish a setting free from intimidation and fear so that every citizen may use their right to vote.
“In a similar vein, the Inspector General of Police has repeatedly and unceasingly highlighted the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, especially while operating under his direction, to the ideals of free, fair, secure, and credible elections.
As we are dedicated to making sure that every eligible voter may participate in the electoral process without fear or obstruction, the Nigeria Police Force will play a crucial role in preserving the integrity of these elections and defending the democratic process.
The IGP has sent out Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) to supervise the security arrangements and make sure the elections go off without a hitch in the individual states as part of our effort to improve election supervision and to uphold our commitment to neutrality.
“This additional level of oversight is meant to ensure that the elections adhere to the strictest requirements for legitimacy and transparency.
As a result, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Training and Development Department DIG Daniel Sokari-Pedro is in command of the Department of Information and Communication Technology in Bayelsa State; Frank Emeka Mba is in charge of the elections in Imo State; and DIG Habu Sani is in charge of the Department of Force Intelligence in Kogi State.
“To ensure seamless electioneering procedures, the Inspector-General of Police has directed the distribution of an extra 220 operational vehicles to the three affected states. These vehicles include water cannons, armoured personnel carriers, gunboats for riverine areas, helmets, bulletproof vests, tear gas canisters, etc. to bolster the already deployed assets and intensify security arrangements for the elections.
Additionally, the IGP has mandated that all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation be prohibited on election day in the affected states from 12.01 am to 6 pm, with the exception of essential services like media, firefighters, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, INEC officials, and accredited electoral observers.
“This order, which is a component of the measures implemented to guarantee a safe, secure, and favourable atmosphere for the conduct of elections, aims to ensure public order management, the safety of voters, and support the security agencies in their efficient policing, thereby preventing criminal elements and hoodlums from interfering with the electoral process.
In light of this, people who live in the surrounding states and those who travel there should consider this when making travel plans in order to prevent any extreme hardship during election season.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has issued a strong warning to all security assistants and escorts to refrain from going to polling places and collation centres with their principals and politicians during the election. Anybody caught breaking this rule would face harsh consequences.
He stresses that inside and outside of the authorised polling places, only security officers expressly devoted to election responsibilities are to be observed.
Additionally, there is still a prohibition on the use of sirens, spinning lights, covered number plates, and tinted glasses without authorization. Violators will face the corresponding penalties.
“Any quasi-security units, privately-owned guard and security outfits, and State-established and owned security outfits/organizations are prohibited from taking part in electoral security administration.
“The IGP urges all active electorates to be law-abiding and turn out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote, while sympathising with well-meaning citizens of the affected states on the inconveniences the restrictions may cause.”
But he issues a warning: if someone or any organisation tries to challenge our combined strength and resolve to hold a peaceful election, the Force will deal with them firmly.
“Because the Force and other security agencies will stop at nothing to ensure that anyone breaking current laws—particularly the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended)—faces the full force of the law, the IGP enjoins all electorates, party supporters, and leaders to abstain from vote buying, vote selling, hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, snatching of ballot boxes, and other criminal act(s).”
“The Nigeria Police Force understands how important it is for residents to be able to contact security authorities quickly in an emergency or to report any security concerns during the election season.
As a result, the public can reach out to the Joint Operation Room for the state elections by calling the specific emergency lines that have been set up. These figures are:
Joint Operations Room: 08034773600 or 08113659301 in Imo State
Kogi State – 07038329084 is the Joint Operations Room.
Joint Operations Room: 07034578208 09167322691; Bayelsa State
When further numbers come into play, they will be rolled out immediately.
The Inspector General of Police, in his pursuit of secure elections, has spared no effort to guarantee that the Nigeria Police Force is equipped to safeguard the electoral process in the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.
“He promises that the NPF will stay impartial during this election process, protect the rule of law, and make sure that every person is protected.
“The People should report any suspicious activity, assist the Police and other security services, and peacefully enjoy their democratic rights, the IGP urged.
“Let’s all work together to ensure that these elections are a huge success, a sign of the resilience of our democracy, and a model of free, fair, secure, and legitimate elections.”
