The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will not permit quasi-security groups, such as state-backed vigilantes, to participate in the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election on November 16, 2024.
In a statement on Sunday by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, on its verified X social media handle, the IGP noted that the decision is part of a broader effort to ensure a fair, peaceful, and transparent election, free from external interference and potential disruptions.
The IGP emphasized that the election security was the sole responsibility of the police and federal security agencies, adding that it is a crucial mandate entrusted to the NPF and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), whose collective resources and expertise are being mobilized to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
“No quasi-security organization, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process,” the IGP stated firmly.
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The IGP disclosed that extensive security preparations was underway across Ondo’s 18 Local Government Areas, including the deployment of officers from several specialized units: the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS), among others. These units will be joined by aerial patrol teams and riverine units to maintain control over various terrains.
He noted that these measures aim to uphold the Electoral Act, 2022, and safeguard voters’ rights, pointing that the deployment will prioritize a peaceful environment, focusing on all 203 wards and 3,933 polling units.
Additionally, the IGP issued a warning to potential political thugs and groups planning to disrupt the election process, cautioning them against any form of violence or disorderly conduct. “Anyone attempting to compromise the peace and security of this election will face the full force of the law,” the IGP affirmed.
The Nigeria Police Force, collaborating with federal agencies, remains committed to maintaining order, transparency, and integrity throughout the electoral process. With a vigilant stance and a comprehensive strategy, security agencies assure Ondo residents that the November 16 election will proceed smoothly.
