IGP bans Edo security corps ahead of governorship poll

Ahead of the September 21 Edo State governorship election, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed that all local security outfits in the state, which were previously suspended, remain suspended.

The IGP also disclosed that 35,000 police personnel, complemented by another 8,000 personnel from other security agencies, would be deployed for the Edo State governorship election.

Egbetokun stated this on Wednesday at the stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, Edo State, organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said the management of election security was solely the responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force and other national security agencies within the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), warning that any individual or group engaging in unauthorized security functions would face immediate arrest and prosecution.

READ ALSO:Rido community residents hospitalised after Kaduna refinery gas leak

He also warned all potential troublemakers contemplating disruptive actions to abandon such intentions.

“In this election, the police will be deploying 35,000 personnel, which will be complemented by over 8,000 members of the armed forces and other security agencies.

“The security forces will not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence, or hooliganism. Any attempt to undermine the electoral process will be met with swift and decisive action.

“Moreover, I want to emphasis that the management of election security is solely the responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force and other national security agencies within ICCES.

“This responsibility does not extend to local security entities or non-state actors. I hereby direct all local security apparatus within Edo State to refrain from interfering with election security functions.

“Any individual or group engaging in unauthorized security functions will face immediate arrest and prosecution. In this regard, the activities of the Edo State Security Corps, which have been suspended, remain suspended until further notice.

READ ALSO:Nigeria’s $500m bond oversubscribed as FG raises $900m

“Movements of persons and vehicles will be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the election. All orderlies and escorts to VIPs are withdrawn on the eve of the election, with alternative security arrangements provided.

“As in past elections, the police is the lead security agency, supported by other national security agencies who will join us in ensuring the safety and security of the electoral process.

“Demonstrating our collective commitment to a peaceful and credible election, we understand the vital importance of our roles and I want to assure you that we are well prepared to perform our duties with excellence.

“We will safeguard the electoral process by ensuring the safety of personnel and property, including equipment that will be deployed in this election.

READ ALSO;Abiodun assures Ogun workers on minimum wage implementation

“We will ensure strict compliance and enforcement of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the Police Act 2020, the Criminal/Penal Code, among others.

“We will provide a conducive environment for the peaceful conduct of credible elections. Our approach to election security is grounded in the principles of neutrality, professionalism, and enforcement of human rights,” the IGP assured.