Polls: IG Orders Massive Deployment of Police Assets, Restriction of Movement
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day in all states, where elections will be conducted for run-off and bye-elections.
The affected states include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
A statement by the Force Headquarters stated the exception to order with regards to movement on election day include those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters, among others.
The IG also ordered a ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election.
The statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, explained that state established and owned security outfits and organisations, quasi-security units and privately owned guard and security outfits were also barred from participating in election security management.
It said the movement restrictions, including the ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits, were crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the electoral process.
"The IGP emphasises that these restrictions are implemented to safeguard the integrity of the elections and guarantee equal participation for all citizens of the affected states," it said.
The IG urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the electoral laws as any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or violate the established guidelines will be met with the full force of the law.
The IG expressed confidence that through collective efforts, the upcoming run-off and bye-elections would be conducted peacefully, transparently and in line with the principles of democracy.