Inspector General of Police Bans Amotekun and Vigilante
By Wisdom Tide
November 10, 2024
In a move to strengthen security measures during the upcoming Ondo governorship election, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and the Vigilante Corps from participating in election security activities. This decision, impacting state-supported security outfits, has sparked debate amid rising banditry concerns in Nigeria.
Deployment of Federal Security Forces for Enhanced Election Security
With the Ondo State election set for November 16, 2024, in which 17 political parties will participate, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued comprehensive plans to ensure a secure election. Muyiwa Adejobi, Force spokesperson, outlined these measures, announcing the deployment of specialized police units to oversee security across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units.
According to the statement, officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit, will be present. Additionally, aerial patrols will be conducted using police helicopters, and gunboats will patrol waterways to secure riverine areas.
The IGP reassured the public, stating, "The Nigeria Police Force is unwavering in its readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process." He emphasized that these strategies are part of a broader plan to guarantee a stable election environment and prevent disruptions.
Strict Guidelines and Enforcement of the Electoral Act
Highlighting the importance of a transparent electoral process, Adejobi explained that all security operations will align with the principles of fairness and adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022. The federal security personnel will coordinate with other agencies to ensure compliance with these standards.
Adejobi underscored the commitment to uphold law and order, stating, “The deployment of these specialized units and advanced equipment, coupled with strategic aerial and maritime patrols, aims to maintain a stable election atmosphere.”
IGP’s Warning to Political Thugs and Potential Disruptors
The IGP issued a strong warning to political thugs and individuals planning to disrupt the election process, affirming that any attempts at violence or interference would face decisive consequences. “The IGP has made it clear that any individual or group attempting to compromise the peace and security of Ondo State during the election will face the full force of the law,” Adejobi noted. This zero-tolerance stance underscores the police's resolve to counter any security threats during the electoral period.
Ban on Amotekun and Vigilante Corps Sparks Concerns Amid Banditry
The IGP's decision to bar Amotekun and the Vigilante Corps from election security responsibilities reflects the federal government’s commitment to uniform election security standards. However, the move has raised concerns, especially in light of ongoing banditry and insecurity challenges in the affected regions.
With local security outfits like Amotekun established to curb regional security threats, their absence during a high-profile election in Ondo could lead to vulnerabilities, given that these forces are well-acquainted with local security dynamics. Critics argue that excluding Amotekun could leave certain areas more exposed to criminal activities, especially in remote locations where federal forces may face logistical limitations. This development has intensified the debate on balancing election security and addressing localized security threats amid Nigeria’s broader security challenges.
Conclusion:
Federal Security Responsibility and Public Reassurance
The IGP affirmed that election security remains the responsibility of federal security agencies and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. This framework, the IGP asserted, is designed to maintain electoral integrity while ensuring public safety throughout the voting process.
With federal agencies tasked with overseeing the Ondo election, the NPF pledges to ensure that this process proceeds smoothly and upholds the highest standards
0 Comments