The Inspector- General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali has ordered mobilization and deployment of adequate police personnel, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs),and other operational assets to Ekiti State ahead of the Governorship election.
The election is scheduled to hold on June 18, 2022.
A Statement by force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said technical capabilities of the Police Airwing, the Force Marine, Mounted Troops, K-9 Section have also been deployed.
He added that a Deputy Inspector- General of Police (DIG), four Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), three Commissioners of Police (CPs), five Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), and 18 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) have also been moved to Ekiti.
He said the senior officers are to coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three Senatorial Districts, 16 Local Government Areas and the 2,445 polling units in the state.
The statement read, ”DIG Kokumo is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Operation Order evolved from the Election Security Threat Assessment, to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment devoid of violence and to guarantee law abiding citizens of secured freely perform their civic responsibilities without molestation or intimidation.”
According to him, the personnel, comprising conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces personnel, Explosives Ordinance Unit (EOD), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), INTERPOL, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Public Relations Department (FPRD), as well as Police Medical Teams, will be on ground.”
In addition, five Armored Personnel Carriers for patrol as well as four helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for aerial surveillance amongst other unique operational capabilities”, Adejobi added.
Baba reassured the nation and the international community that the Force is adequately prepared for the Gubernatorial Election in Ekiti State which is scheduled to hold on June 18, 2022.
He reiterated that the Force will do everything within its powers to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all stakeholders to protect democratic values, provide level playing field for all candidates.
