Ondo Guber: Police Enhance Security, Deploy Operatives Across 18 LGAs

The Nigeria Police Force has announced that it has strengthened security ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, emphasizing its preparedness to counter any threats during the poll.

This was stated by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a release on Thursday in Abuja.

Adejobi confirmed that the Police had reinforced the security framework in the state, deploying officers across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units.

He assured that at least four Police officers, working in coordination with other security personnel, would be stationed at each polling unit to ensure a smooth electoral process.

In addition, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Ondo State elections, DIG Sylvester Alabi, held a press briefing at the Ondo State Police Command Headquarters in Akure.

He addressed the officers assigned to election duties and the media, reiterating the readiness of the Police and other security agencies for the upcoming election.

“The DIG during his address mentioned that the Force had begun effective deployments of personnel across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state, assuring the presence of at least four (4) Police Officers in collaboration with officers representing other election security agency, at each polling unit, to ensure a smooth poll.

“In a bid to employ proactive measures against all forms of security threat and interference during the electoral process, the DIG emphasized the importance of Intelligence gathering and firmness,” the statement read.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) further urged for a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), other security agencies involved in the election, and the electorate.

He reiterated the Police’s commitment to maintaining law and order throughout the state.

He assured that sufficient contingency plans were in place to address any challenges that might arise before, during, or after the election.

DIG Alabi also appealed to the public to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023 (as amended), INEC guidelines, and other relevant laws. He emphasized that anyone found engaging in electoral offenses or disturbances would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.