The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has barred state-owned security operatives, including the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Operation Amotekun and Ebubeague of the South-East region and also Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, from monitoring today’s governorship and house of assembly elections.
This is as the police boss also ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. when polling units are expected to have closed for the day’s civic exercise.
The IGP gave exceptions to those on essential services such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electoral observers, accredited media and observers as well as emergency responders, Headline News understands.
The IGP’s directive was conveyed in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday morning through the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi.
Adejobi noted, however, that the directive also excludes Federal Capital Territory where the election would not be conducted.
IGP Baba assured Nigerians of safety, adding that necessary security arrangements have been made to ensure that voters exercise their franchise without fear of molestation.
“Similarly, the IGP reiterates 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.
“The IGP also barred state-established security outfits and privately-owned outfits from participating in election security management. State-owned security outfits include the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, the Amotekun Corps, Ebubeagu, among others,” the statement reads.
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