The Nigerian Police Force has introduced extensive security measures, such as drone deployment, in preparation for the upcoming governorship elections slated for November 11 in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states. These precautions come amidst escalating political tensions and a history of electoral disturbances. In an interview with PUNCH, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi emphasized the commitment of law enforcement authorities to guarantee a safe and tranquil electoral procedure. Adejobi detailed a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the deployment of both uniformed and plainclothes personnel, in addition to a range of anti-riot equipment.
Among the notable equipment scheduled for deployment are teargas canisters, water cannons, and Armoured Personnel Carriers. However, the inclusion of drones in the security apparatus represents a significant technological advancement aimed at monitoring and ensuring the safety of these critical elections.
Adejobi emphasized that the police have held numerous meetings with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at a committee level, co-chaired by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu. These discussions are geared towards coordinating efforts to ensure a smooth and violence-free election process.
The decision to utilize drones is a response to concerns about political thuggery and violence in the lead-up to the elections. Recent years have witnessed unsettling events during governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa, resulting in loss of lives and property.
In this political climate, incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State are both seeking re-election, while Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is supporting the All Progressives Congress candidate, Usman Ododo.
Adejobi confirmed the police force’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the success of the elections, stating, “In our preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states, we have formulated operational plans for each of these states, and we are fully prepared for deployment. We have distributed our election duty documents, including the Standard Operating Procedures, to our personnel. As it is an off-season election, we will have an ample deployment of personnel.”
He went on to elaborate, “The Inspector-General of Police has instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of operations to disseminate the operation order and Standard Operations Procedure, much like a comprehensive guide that all personnel deployed for the assignment will be equipped with. We will also deploy our equipment to ensure that each of the three states is well-prepared for conducting free, fair, and credible elections. We possess an adequate supply of equipment, firearms, ammunition, teargas canisters, water cannons, armoured personnel carriers, drones, and our plainclothes officers will be active in the field gathering intelligence for us.”
