In a bid to ensure a secured atmosphere in today’s supplementary polls in 24 states, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, on Friday ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other forms of transportation from 12a.m. to 5p.m. in all affected states.
Exceptions are those on essential services such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electoral observers, accredited media and observers as well as ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, among others.
The supplementary elections scheduled to hold today in 24 states of the federation covering National Assembly, gubernatorial, and state Houses of Assembly elections in areas where elections were not concluded during the last general election.
The affected states comprise Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Yobe, Katsina, and Enugu states.
Similarly, the IG reiterated the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer and the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said security outfits/organisations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits set up by state governments are also barred from participating in election security management.
“The Inspector General of Police, therefore, urges all citizens to be law abiding during and after the elections even as he assures that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered,” it said.
Similarly, other election situation room numbers which have been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms will be repeatedly released by concerned state police commands for necessary emergency contact.
Meanwhile, the IGP approved the posting and redeployment of 36 Commissioners of Police to various Commands and Formations.
Alkali-Baba also approved the posting of the recently promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Olukayode Egbetokun, the supervising DIG for the South-west geo-political zone.
He is to man the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Similarly, the IG approved the posting and redeployment of 36 Commissioners of Police to various Commands and Formations.
