The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has deployed undercover agents in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States ahead of of the Saturday’s governorship elections in the states.
The agents, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, are currently carrying out covert operations to identify criminals’ hideouts and clamp down on them in the three states and neighbouring states.
NIGERIACRIME also gathered that the police commands in the three states will also deploy anti-riot equipment such as teargas canisters, water cannon, Armoured Personnel Carriers and drones to ensure adequate security before, during and after the polls.
Speaking on the development, Adejobi said, “We are ready and have prepared well for the elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states. Adequate deployments have been done to all areas, including the protection of Independent National Electoral Commission officials, accredited observers, media, materials and facilities. We have made arrangements for necessary escorts during the elections.
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“The IG has ordered additional allocation of logistics, equipment and personnel to the states and other states that will support the concerned states. The IG was in Imo to address stakeholders on Thursday. We are good to go.
“Also, the allowances of our personnel for the election duty have been approved for payment. We are engaging all the stakeholders to maintain peace and be law-abiding before, during and after the elections.”
The FPRO assured that the police were prepared for the elections, and that adequate deployment had been done in all areas.
Governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa have in recent years been marred by several unsettling events, which led to avoidable loss of lives and property.
Similarly, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said there was enough security on ground, adding that the state command had deployed undercover agents, officers in uniform and adequate equipment to enable the electorate to cast their votes under a secured atmosphere.