The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a decisive measure ahead of the Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 2024. To ensure a smooth and impartial electoral process, the IGP has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, along with other vigilante groups, from participating in election security duties.
The directive, issued through Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, underscores that only federal security agencies and authorized members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security will oversee security operations during the election. This move reinforces the police force’s commitment to preventing any non-federal security bodies from potentially influencing the election outcome.
In the statement, Egbetokun affirmed, “The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies.” This directive aligns with existing guidelines governing election security in Nigeria, which strictly limit election-day operations to federal law enforcement agencies to preserve the election’s integrity.
To bolster security across Ondo’s 18 local government areas, the police are deploying specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit. Additionally, aerial patrols will monitor election hotspots, and gunboats will be positioned to secure waterways, ensuring a comprehensive security approach across all terrains.
The IGP’s proactive stance against election-related violence extends to warning political thugs and those plotting disruption. “The IGP has issued a stern warning to political thugs: they will face the full force of the law if they attempt any acts of violence or disruption during the election period,” said Adejobi. This measure is aimed at upholding a peaceful voting atmosphere for the over 1.75 million registered voters who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and are eligible to participate.
As part of the robust security arrangement, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has also announced the deployment of 6,000 officers, covering coastal and urban areas alike. NSCDC’s Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, noted that personnel would be drawn from neighboring states to provide maximum coverage. Special units, such as the Counter Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers, and Election Monitoring Unit, will complement the police force, creating a multi-layered security framework designed to deter election-related violence.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the deployment of 15,732 ad hoc staff across 3,933 polling units. Each unit will be manned by a presiding officer and assistant officers, with training conducted across all local government areas to ensure efficient management on election day. INEC has also reiterated its commitment to transparency, emphasizing the role of its Results Viewing portal in supporting an open process while reinforcing that this does not entail digital transmission of results.
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