- Orders Activation of Revised Security Operation Plan
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the rescheduled Edo Gubernatorial Election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace; ordering the activation of the revised security operation plan for the governorship election slated to hold throughout the State on Wednesday, 28th September, 2016.
Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim K Idris in a statement explained that, the revised election security operation plan will guarantee free, fair and credible election, securing electoral process, and enable eligible voters exercise their franchise freely before, during and after the election.
He added that, the Police will be firm and decisive in dealing with any infractions of the law, actions and activities that constitute breach of peace and contrary to public order; saying, the Police will mobilize and deploy adequate resources and personnel to prosecute the Edo Governorship election conclusively.
“To this end, in order to achieve the expected outcome of credible election acceptable to all stakeholders, the police will deploy: Twenty Five Thousand (25,000.00) conventional Police Officers, Tactical Teams (Police Mobile Force PMF, Counter Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Special Protection Unit, Force Animal Branch, Police Air wing- Aerial patrol, and Marine Police Unit – Riverine Patrol.
“This is in addition to the deployment of other sister agencies to ensure a robust security template for the election. Also, Police Helicopters, gun boats, Armoured Personnel Carriers, Police Dogs and technical platforms will be deployed,” he emphasized.
While advising residents of Edo to be law abiding and be of good conduct, Idris urged all the security officers deployed for the election to behave in an acceptable manner, saying they should maintain apolitical disposition and strictly adhere to the rules of engagement.
The IGP has also directed the Commissioner of Police in Edo State to enforce the restriction of vehicular movement from (00:00) 12 midnight Tuesday, 27thSeptember,2016 to (18:00hrs) 6pm 28th September, 2016 except those involved in essential duties who must be properly identified.
