The Nigeria Police Force has announced a robust security plan for the upcoming governorship election in Imo State, with the deployment of 15 Commissioners of Police, 29 Deputy Commissioners of Police, and 40 Assistant Commissioners of Police. The deployment aims to ensure the success of the polls and maintain a high level of neutrality, particularly in areas prone to violence.
In collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police have coordinated heavy deployments, assigning Deputy Inspector Generals of Police to oversee election security management in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states. The Force Headquarters emphasized their commitment to working with other security agencies to guarantee a free, fair, and violence-free election.
The spokesperson for the police in Imo State, Henry Okoye, outlined the comprehensive security measures, including the deployment of 36 units of mobile policemen from Abuja to Imo State. A Deputy Inspector General of Police will lead election security efforts, supported by an Assistant Inspector General of Police. Furthermore, each division in the state will be overseen by one of the 40 Assistant Commissioners of Police, demonstrating a commitment to impartiality.
Okoye addressed concerns about the potential disruption of the election by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), stating that the NLC lacks the constitutional power to halt elections in Imo State. The police are determined to conduct a successful and secure election, building on the relative peace observed during previous polls.
In response to potential threats from groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and unknown gunmen, Okoye asserted that the police would deal ruthlessly with any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the election in Imo State.
Simultaneously, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Biu, directed the deployment of 1,500 personnel and 35 vehicles to Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states to enhance enforcement of restrictions during the polls. The FRSC operatives will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure orderliness and safety on the roads and at polling booths. The directive emphasized the importance of professionalism and urged personnel to avoid any actions that could violate the rights of voters.
