The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has deployed three deputy inspectors-general of police (DIG) to Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa ahead of the November 11 gubernatorial polls in the states.
Habu Sani, DIG in charge of the department of force intelligence, has been deployed to Kogi; Daniel Sokari-Pedro, DIG in charge of the department of information and communication technology, has been deployed to Bayelsa; and Frank Mba, DIG department of training and development, has been deployed to oversee elections in Imo state.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police spokesperson, said the IGP has also ordered the deployment of an additional 220 operational vehicles, five police helicopters and over 15 gunboats for land, air and waterways patrol in the three states.
Adejobi said the force is committed to ensuring that the off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi are “free, fair, secure, and credible”.
We have strategically deployed our personnel to these states to provide security and maintain law and order throughout the electioneering process following training on professionalism, neutrality, and best practices carried out for officers and men deployed for the election duty,” he said.
“Our objective is to create an environment where all citizens can exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation.
“The Nigeria police force will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the democratic process and upholding the integrity of these elections as we are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in the electoral process without fear or hindrance.
In the pursuit of our commitment to neutrality and part of the bid to enhance the supervision of the elections, the IGP has deployed deputy inspectors general of police (DIGs) to oversee the security arrangements and ensure the elections run smoothly in the respective states.
“This added layer of supervision is intended to guarantee that the elections meet the highest standards of transparency and credibility.
“Therefore, the deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the department of training and development, DIG Frank Emeka Mba has been deployed to oversee elections in Imo state; DIG Habu Sani in charge of the department of force intelligence to Kogi state; and DIG Daniel Sokari-Pedro in charge of the department of information and communication technology to Bayelsa State.
“In a bid to ensure smooth electioneering processes, the inspector-general of police has ordered the distribution of an additional 220 operational vehicles, including water canons, armoured personnel carriers, gunboats for riverine areas, helmets, bulletproof vests, tear gas canisters etc, to the three affected states to intensify security arrangements for the elections to augment the already deployed assets.”