VAM News update
Few days to the gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the distribution of 220 operational vehicles and other security logistics ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle polls.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed this in a statement posted on the official X handle of the Nigerian Police Force on Sunday.
The statement explained that the distribution was meant to fastrack smooth electioneering process in the forthcoming election in the states.
The statement read, “In a bid to have smooth electioneering processes in the forthcoming off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States scheduled for November 11, 2023, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered the distribution of additional 220 operational vehicles, including water canons, armored personnel carriers, helmets, bullet-proof vests, tear gas canisters, etc., to the three affected states to intensify security arrangements for the elections.”
According to the statement, the IGP had earlier organised training for the police officers who are involved in security management for the forthcoming elections and sought the approval of the Federal Government for the payment of their allowances and other necessary support to boost the morale of the officers during the operations.
The IGP also urged all stakeholders in the three states to embrace peace, uphold the sanctity of the rule of law, and be law-abiding in their endeavours before, during, and after the elections, stating that the police and other security agencies have been placed on alert to avert any unruly acts capable of disrupting the elections in any of the states.