The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has banned quasi-security organization, like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun from participating in the Ondo Governorship election process scheduled for November 16.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men in Abuja by the Force Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the statement, the IGP confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.
The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.
The statement reads, “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), and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS), working in concert with other security agencies. These agencies 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.
ALSO READ: Kwara Rep member, lawyer bicker over alleged N81m outstanding legal fee
“In addition to ground personnel, 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.
“These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”
The IGP has also 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 added, “The message is clear—those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.
The IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organization, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.
The statement clarified that the security of the Governorship election was 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).
It reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remained committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeded smoothly, without incident, and in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity.
