The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has said that 35,000 Police personnel would be deployed to Edo State for the conduct of the governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024
IGP Egbetokun disclosed this during the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) stakeholders meeting on Wednesday in Benin City, and added that the Edo Security Network (ESN), a local security outfit remained suspended till further notice.
The police boss, warned against any form of thuggery, ballot box snatching and other criminal activities during and after the election.
He maintained that the police would deal decisively with anybody that indulged in criminal activities as the election lasted.
“In this election, the police would be deploying 35,000 personnel and this will be complemented by over 80,00 members of the armed forces and other security agencies.
“We will secure the state entry and exit points with the military support and ensure strict enforcement restrictions order on movement on election day.
“The Nigeria police in addition would deploy adequate operational assets as necessary for this election.
“Moreover, I want to emphasize that the management of election security is solely the responsibility of the Nigeria police force and other national security within the access.
“This responsibility does not extend to quasi security entities or non state actors.
“I hereby direct all local security apparatus within Edo State to refrain from interfering with election security functions. Any individual or group engaging in the conduct I am unauthorized security activities would face immediate arrest and prosecution.
“In this regard, the activities of Edo State Security Corp which has been suspended remain suspended until further notice.”
On his part, Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that the commission will maintain high sense of professionalism in the conduct of the election.
He said that the commission is fully ready for the conduct of the poll, stressing that modalities have been put in place for the transportation of election material for both land and narine locations.
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