The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed calls for the involvement of the Amotekun security network in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, asserting that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is fully equipped to handle security for the poll.
The election is scheduled for November 16, 2024.
In a statement released by the Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun emphasized that the police had already put in place a robust security strategy to ensure a smooth and peaceful election, without the need for additional support from state-backed security organizations like Amotekun.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made comprehensive plans for the upcoming election, which include the deployment of specialized units, state-of-the-art equipment, and personnel trained to maintain law and order,” Egbetokun said. “We are confident in our capacity to secure the election and ensure that it is free, fair, and transparent.”
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The police’s security arrangement for the Ondo election will see the deployment of several specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and the Special Protection Unit (SPU).
Additionally, tactical units such as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, and the Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) will play critical roles in safeguarding the election process.
Aerial surveillance will be provided by police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways to ensure security in the riverine areas. The police are determined to prevent any attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
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Egbetokun also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups intending to cause chaos during or after the election.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence or election disruption. Anyone caught attempting to sabotage the peaceful conduct of the election will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
The IGP reiterated that the guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria remain unchanged, and that no quasi-security organization, including vigilante groups or Amotekun, would be permitted to participate in the election process.
