The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) known as Amotekun and Vigilante Corps from taking part in the November 16 gubernatorial poll in Ondo State.
The ban directive was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Force representative, Muyiwa Adejobi.
He said the IG ordered the deployment of officers from various specialized 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.
The police chief likewise ordered that aerial patrols be carried out with police helicopters, while gunboats would patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to guarantee security across all terrains.
As the Ondo State Governorship Election, slated for November 16, 2024, inches close, the Inspector-General of Police has unequivocally guaranteed the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering preparedness to guarantee a tranquil and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.
“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.
“The deployment will see officers from various specialized 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 working in concert with other security agencies. These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.
“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains. These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”
The IGP additionally vowed to deal with political thugs or individuals intending to disrupt the elections.
As indicated in a statement, only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be permitted to take part in the election.
“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear, those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished,” Adejobi stated.
No less than 17 political parties will take part in the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
