The Police hierarchy has warned private security outfits and vigilante groups to stay away from the upcoming general elections, as only the Police, the military, and other sister security agencies, would be recognized to ensure safety and security during the polls.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who gave the warning Wednesday, while speaking to journalists at an election security briefing in Abuja, said, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies are taking the charge of President Muhammadu Buhari seriously and would deliver as mandated.
TheFact Daily recalls that President Buhari, had on Monday, while commissioning some Police operational assets, told the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, and other security chiefs that “all eyes are on you,” adding that the future of the country’s democracy depends on the peaceful conduct of the upcoming general elections.
Taking a cue from the President’s charge, Adejobi averred that the synergy among the security operatives ahead of the elections is unparalleled, and ommended the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS. Gen. Lucky Irabor, for the leadership he is providing to the security agencies.
The Force PRO also emphasized that there will be strict restrictions on movement on the election days, a d therefore encouraged citizens to move around within a few metres of their polling units only on foot as cars may not be allowed to cover kilometers even for the purpose of voting.
On the synergy between the police snd other sister security agencies, Adejobi said, “we are working together, we are collaborating for us to have proper security for elections. The Military is coming in to support us but there will be no provision for private security outfits. We believe that if we have proper restrictions on the movement, we are 80 percent successful in that election. The movement will be restricted in and out of the States, even those that have immunity are not expected to move out so you will not move out during elections”.
He assured that there will be security at the polling units to give cover to voters, adding that efforts are ongoing to ensure that all officers on street duty are given allowances and food, so as not to be tempted by any politician to do their bidding.
“I want to tell Nigerians to take it from us and we will make sure we have a secure election. We will be out there to maintain the peace and not to harass anyone,” he added.
He also called on the media to weed out the bad eggs in the profession who are responsible for the fake news, misinformation, and propaganda that are unhealthy for the polity.
