Kehinde Fajobi
With the Ondo State governorship election approaching on November 16, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has reassured residents of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to a peaceful and orderly election across all local governments, wards, and polling units.
Egbetokun confirmed that extensive plans are in place, including deploying skilled personnel, advanced resources, and modern equipment to ensure a smooth election.
Officers from specialised units such as the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, and the Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force will work alongside other security agencies, strictly following the Electoral Act, 2022, to uphold fairness and transparency.
In addition to ground forces, aerial surveillance via police helicopters and patrols along waterways by gunboats will secure both land and riverine areas, deterring any attempts to disrupt the election.
Egbetokun warned that political thugs or others attempting violence would face strict consequences, stressing that the police will not tolerate actions that threaten Ondo’s peace and security.
The IGP also reiterated that only federal security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), are authorised to handle election security.
State-backed groups like the Vigilante Corps and Amotekun are barred from participating in the election process.
The Nigeria Police, alongside federal security partners, remains dedicated to ensuring a smooth and secure Ondo State gubernatorial election, adhering to high standards of electoral integrity.