The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday said there would be no vehicular movement as well as movement of canoes, ships and other means of transportation via waterways in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa starting from Friday.
Egbetokun, who said the decision was in line with measures put in place to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the three states, also barred some state security outfits like Ebubeagu and other quasi-outfits from carrying out operations during the election.
The IG, who made this known at Force Headquarters while briefing reporters, explained that both marine and gunboats have been deployed in the three states considering their riverine terrain.
Speaking through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police boss maintained that the three states have been fortified with different security equipment.
He said: “The IGP has ordered a restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12.01 am to 6 pm on election day in the affected states except those on essential services such as INEC officials, accredited electoral observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, media, etc.
“The order, which is part of measures emplaced to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of elections, is aimed at ensuring public order management, the safety of electorates, as well as assisting the security agencies in effective policing, thereby preventing hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process.
“On that note, residents and travellers in the neighbouring states should note and plan their movements to avoid any untold hardship during the election period.
“The Nigeria Police Force has undertaken comprehensive preparations to ensure the success of the upcoming elections.
“We have strategically deployed our personnel in the states to provide security and maintain law and order throughout the electioneering process following training on professionalism, neutrality, and best practices carried out for officers and men deployed for election duty.
“Our objective is to create an environment where all citizens can exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation.”
Adejobi went further that: “The IGP has deployed Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) to oversee the security arrangements and ensure the elections run smoothly in the respective states.
“This added layer of supervision is intended to guarantee that the elections meet the highest standards of transparency and credibility.
“Therefore, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Training and Development, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, has been deployed to oversee elections in Imo State; DIG Habu Sani in charge of the Department of Force Intelligence to Kogi State; and DIG Daniel Sokari-Pedro in charge of the Department of Information and Communication Technology to Bayelsa State.”
