The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has assured the nation of the commitment of the Force to secure the public space and uphold the democratic values ahead of the November 6th, 2021, Anambra State Gubernatorial Election.
The IGP gave the assurance on Wednesday during a strategic meeting held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, with Commanders of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadrons in the country.
“You must remain apolitical while being ruthless with violent elements and ill-guided political thugs that may wish to test our common will to deliver a transparent and credible electoral outcome,” the police chief added.
He also called for cooperation with other security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“I charge you to cultivate the spirit of teamwork and inter-agency cooperation, knowing that you will operate side-by-side with other sister security agencies and officials of INEC,” he noted
The IGP further stated that the leadership of the Force has commenced the reorganization, re-equipping, training, and re-orientation of the PMF with the goal of strengthening its operational capacity and re-situating the unit to accomplish the task of confronting violent crimes in the country.
The IGP charged the Squadron Commanders to upscale their supervisory roles to ensure their personnel demonstrates a high level of professionalism, firmness, courage, and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties.
The IGP noted that the Nigeria Police Force in the coming days will be implementing a robust national security action plan to refocus the internal security dynamics of the country in addition to securing the electoral processes in the Anambra State Gubernatorial election including the protection of personnel and materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and critical national infrastructure.
The IGP noted that the Police Mobile Force, will as usual, form a critical component of the operational plan, to deter any subversive elements that could threaten or disrupt the smooth conduct of the election.
The IGP reiterated that the Force will continue to do all within its powers to combat all forms of criminality and violent crimes including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and violent extremism, amongst others, across the country.
He added: “As you are aware, the Anambra State Gubernatorial Election will be held on 6th of November, 2021. The election security action plan will, as usual, revolve around units of the Mobile Police Force.
“The import of this is that the task of securing our democratic values and guaranteeing a safe, secure and credible electoral process in Anambra State will rest squarely and majorly on some of you, the Squadron Commanders here seated and some of your units.
“Most of your operatives will be deployed to deter subversive elements that are planning to threaten the process, while others will be deployed to secure personnel and materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as other critical national infrastructure.”
