LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Alkali Baba has called on security agencies to create enabling environments for Nigerians while observing international best practices in the policing of the upcoming general elections.
Baba made the call today, at Abuja during the beginning of a one-day training session organized by the Nigeria Police Force and Central Soft Support Services Ltd.
The training, tagged “Election Security Management; the Nigeria Police Force in the Face of Rising Incidences of Violence” reportedly recorded participants from the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.
The IGP stated that the training was organized in view of the responsibilities of defence, intelligence and security agencies to provide enabling environment for citizens to exercise their franchise.
He said the event, the last in the series of training and retraining being conducted before the general elections, was to enhance the capacity of Police and other security agencies’ operational officers.
“It is my hope and believe that we have a very critical role to play bearing in mind that we have issues to contend with as security agencies.
“First, we have to police the election from those who believe that they can behave as adversaries, either because they do not want the election to take place or out to sabotage the process.
“Secondly, we have to also, create enabling environment for Nigerians who want to exercise their franchise to come out and vote for the leaders of their choice,” he said.
In addition to using little force when necessary in the performance of their duties, he urged participants to watch out for citizens’ rights.
“We must bear in mind that we must respect the rights of citizens that behave in lawful and acceptable manner and checkmate those who want to do otherwise,” he said.
