September 11, (THEWILL) – The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has barred all local security outfits in Edo State, including Vigilantes, from election security duties during and after the September 21 governorship poll in the State.
Reiterating the suspension of operations of the Edo State Security Corps, Egbetokun warned: “Any individual or group engaging in unauthorised security activities will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
“In this regard, the activities of the Edo State Security Corps, which has been suspended, remain suspended until further notice.”
The IGP issued the restriction in Benin City on Wednesday, during a stakeholders meeting on the Edo governorship election.
The meeting, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is part of the schedule of activities leading to the September 21, 2024 election.
Emphasising the authority of the Nigeria Police as the lead security agency empowered by law in Nigeria’s electoral process, the IGP said, “Nigeria Police is taking the Edo State governorship election very seriously. This is why I have come today for this stakeholders meeting to reassure the good people of Edo State that we are prepared and ready to do all it takes for the election to go on smoothly by ensuring that all persons and properties, including equipment that will be used for this election, will be secured.
“We will ensure strict compliance and enforcement of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, Police Act 2020, Criminal and Penal Code, Arms and Ammunition Prohibition Laws and all Extant Laws.
“Our approach to election security is grounded in the principles of neutrality, professionalism and respect for human rights. We are committed to the deployment of adequate personnel and resources to ensure adequate crowd management, prevent electoral violence and address other security issues.
“In this election, Police will be deploying 35,000 personnel and this will be complimented by over 8,000 of the armed forces and other security agencies. Also, in preparation for the election, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with these other security agencies, has taken several measures, including conducting a thorough threats analysis of the radical points in Edo State to private sources regrettably.
“I, once again, assure you of our unwavering neutrality and the neutrality of all the sister agencies. Our commitment is to a free and fair election and to ensure a level playing field for the candidates.
“Our personnel have been trained to carry out their duties with neutrality and impartiality. Our loyalty lies with the Constitution and the people of Nigeria.
“We urged all political parties and candidates to adhere to the rules that guide the electoral process.
“We assure the residents of Edo State that we are fully prepared to safeguard your safety and security throughout this electoral process. Your right to vote is paramount and I will protect it.
“I encourage you to come out in large numbers to exercise your rights because our extensive deployment is intended to ensure your safety and integrity of the election.
“I take this opportunity to warn all potential troublemakers contemplating destructive actions to abandon such suggestions. The security forces will not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence and hooliganism.
“Any act to undermine the electoral process will be met with swift and decisive actions. Moreover, I want to emphasise that the management of election security is solely the responsibility of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee On Election Security (ICCES).
“This responsibility does not extend to any quasi-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 unauthorised security activities will face immediate arrest and prosecution. In this regard, the activities of the Edo State Security Corps, which has been suspended, remain suspended until further notice.
“Movements of persons and vehicles are restricted from 6 am to 6 pm on the day of election. All (Police) orderlies and escorts to VIPs are dropped or withdrawn on the eve of election day. The totality of protection will be provided across the state.”
Meanwhile, the State Police Command has also assured the public of adequate security before, during and after the governorship election.
The State Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, who stated this on Wednesday, via a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Command, SP Moses Yamu, said the Command had been working tirelessly to ensure a peaceful atmosphere and had engaged sister security agencies, civil society organisations, youth groups, and political stakeholders.
The Police chief appealed to political parties and their supporters to shun violence as the command had commenced a mop-up of arms from non-state actors across the state.
According to him, this is to ensure citizens exercise their franchise without fear of threat or intimidation.
“This action will guarantee citizen’s ability to exercise their franchise without any fear of threat, harassment, or any form of intimidation. No form of lawlessness from any person or group of persons before, during, and after the election will be tolerated. Anybody or group of persons planning to foment trouble will be met with stiff resistance by men of the Edo State Police Command,” he said.
