Ahead of tomorrow’s bye-elections in 13 states, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered extensive security deployments and operational measures to guarantee free, fair, and hitch-free polls.
The affected states include Anambra, Kano, Oyo, Taraba, Enugu, Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Ogun, Zamfara, and Niger.
Senior officers of the rank of Assistant Inspector-General and Commissioners of Police have been assigned to assist state commands in supervising the electoral process, supported by tactical units such as the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department.
The IGP also announced a restriction of vehicular movement, including waterways, from midnight to 6 p.m. on election day in the affected local government areas, with exemptions for essential services such as INEC officials, accredited media, medical emergencies, and firefighters.
Egbetokun reaffirmed the ban on security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling units and collation centres, adding that state-owned security outfits, quasi-security units, and private guards are barred from participating in election security.
He urged citizens to remain law-abiding, assuring that robust arrangements are in place to safeguard voters’ rights and the integrity of the polls.
