IGP prohibits Amotekun, Vigilante Corps from participating in Ondo election.
Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and the Vigilante Corps from participating in Ondo State’s governorship election on November 16.
Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force spokesman, issued a statement on Sunday with the ban command.
He stated that the IG directed the deployment of officers from several specialist units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit, among others.
To maintain security throughout all terrains, the police chief also ordered aerial patrols with police helicopters, as well as gunboat patrols of the state’s waterways and rivers.
As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, approaches, the Inspector-General of Police has unequivocally assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process in all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.
“The IGP affirmed that thorough arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of sufficient staff, resources, and cutting-edge equipment.
“Officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force, will collaborate with other security agencies during the deployment.
These agencies will rigorously follow the requirements of the Electoral Act of 2022, ensuring that all measures implemented are consistent with the values of justice, transparency, and order.
“In addition to ground soldiers, police helicopters will undertake aerial patrols, and gunboats will monitor the state’s canals and riverine areas to ensure security in all terrains.
These extensive precautions will dissuade any attempts to disrupt the electoral process and improve the overall stability of the polls.”
The IGP also threatened to act with political thugs or anybody who intended to disrupt the elections.
The announcement stated that only federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be permitted to participate in the election.
“The IGP has also issued a harsh warning to political thugs and any persons or groups who may be planning acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full weight of the law.
The message is clear: those who threaten the state’s peace and security will face consequences,” Adejobi added.
Ondo State’s governorship election on November 16 will be contested by 17 different political parties.