The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has officially prohibited quasi-security outfits, including state-sponsored groups like the Vigilante Corps and Amotekun, from participating in the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election set for November 16, 2024. This directive reinforces existing regulations regarding election security in Nigeria, underscoring that the responsibility for ensuring a secure electoral environment rests solely with the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, as well as the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
In preparation for the election, the IGP has assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to maintaining peace and order across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in Ondo State. Comprehensive security plans are being implemented, which include the strategic deployment of personnel and advanced resources.
Security Personnel Deployment
The security strategy will involve officers from various specialized units, such as:
- 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)
- Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS)
These units will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure adherence to the guidelines set forth in the Electoral Act of 2022, promoting fairness and transparency throughout the electoral process.
Enhanced Security Measures
In addition to ground operations, aerial surveillance will be conducted using police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol waterways and riverine areas to bolster security. These measures aim to deter any attempts to disrupt the electoral process and enhance overall stability during the elections.
The IGP has issued a stern warning to political thugs and individuals contemplating violence or disruption before, during, or after the election. He emphasized that such actions will be met with severe consequences under the law.
Additional Security Support
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced that it will deploy 6,000 officers to ensure adequate security throughout Ondo State during the election. These officers will be sourced from Ondo and neighboring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta. Their roles will encompass protecting critical national assets, safeguarding Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and ensuring the safe distribution of election materials.
Political parties and civil society organizations have also raised concerns ahead of the election. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have urged citizens to resist vote-buying, reminding them that selling their votes undermines their ability to hold elected officials accountable.
As the election date approaches, the Nigeria Police Force remains vigilant and fully committed to ensuring that the Ondo State gubernatorial election is conducted smoothly, without incident, and in alignment with high standards of electoral integrity.
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