ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, and the Vigilante Corps from participating in the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, set for November 16.
This directive was conveyed in a statement released on Sunday by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi.
To ensure comprehensive security during the election, the IGP has ordered a large-scale deployment of police personnel from specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and the K-9 Unit.
In addition to ground forces, police helicopters will conduct aerial patrols, while gunboats will secure the state’s waterways and riverine areas.
The IGP assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness to deliver a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in Ondo State.
READ ALSO: Police To Deploy 22,239 Officers For Ondo Poll
“Comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment,” the IGP emphasized.
According to Adejobi’s statement, the deployment will involve collaboration between specialized units such as the Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team and the Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force.
These agencies will work alongside other security bodies, adhering to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The deployment will strictly align with principles of fairness, transparency, and order, he stated.
The IGP also warned potential troublemakers, affirming that any individuals or groups planning to disrupt the election would face the full force of the law.
“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law.
“The message is clear—those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished”, Adejobi stated.
As the IGP is committed to a safe and well-regulated voting process in Ondo State, only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security will be permitted to participate in election security duties.