The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed, to Osun State to take charge of police security operations for Saturday’s governorship election.
According to a statement signed. Y the Force spokesman, CSP Ami Iniedu, on Wednesday, the deployment is part of its measures to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible election across the state.
DIG Mohammed will coordinate the police component of the election security arrangement and work with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
He will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police strategically deployed across the three senatorial districts to supervise operations, strengthen intelligence-led policing and ensure swift responses to emerging threats.
The NPF said comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place to protect voters, INEC personnel, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and media practitioners before, during and after the election.
The IGP has, however, issued a stern warning to political actors, their supporters and other intending troublemakers, declaring that ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery and other electoral offences will attract immediate arrest and prosecution.
The Force also reiterated its ban on armed escorts, security aides and other unauthorised persons accompanying political figures or VIPs to polling units and collation centres on election day.
Similarly, state-established security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations are prohibited from participating in election security duties, in line with established NPF directives.
The Police assured residents, voters and visitors to Osun State of adequate security and urged eligible citizens to turn out and exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights and the protection of the electoral process.
