Supplementary Polls: IG Orders Restriction of Movement in 24 States

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

In a bid to ensure a secured atmosphere in today’s supplementary polls in 24 states, the Inspector General of Police, Usman  Baba, yesterday ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other forms of transportation from 12a.m. to 5p.m. in all affected states with the exception of those on essential services such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electoral observers, accredited media and observers as well as ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, among others.

The IG also approved the posting of the recently promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Olukayode Egbetokun, the supervising DIG for the South-west geo-political zone.

He is to man the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Similarly, the IG approved the posting and redeployment of 36 Commissioners of Police to various Commands and Formations.

The supplementary elections scheduled to hold today in 24 states of the federation covering National Assembly, gubernatorial, and state Houses of Assembly elections in areas where elections were not concluded during the last general election.

The affected states comprise Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Yobe, Katsina, and Enugu states. 

Similarly, the IG reiterated the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election. 

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer and the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said security outfits/organisations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits set up by state governments are also barred from participating in election security management.

“The Inspector General of Police, therefore, urges all citizens to be law abiding during and after the elections even as he assures that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered,” it said. 

He also urges the general public to contact the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters via telephone, the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ on Android and ios, and via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line, to request emergency security response. 

Similarly, other election situation room numbers which have been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms will be repeatedly released by concerned state police commands for necessary emergency contact.

Meanwhile, the IG approved the posting and redeployment of 36 Commissioners of Police to various Commands and Formations.

The commissioners affected in the exercise include CP Operations, DOPS FHQ,  Zubairu Abubakar;

CP Homicide FCID, Abuja, Fom Pam Joseph; CP Railway Lagos, CP Emuobo F. Ekokotu; CP Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Nemi E. Osigboboka Iwo and CP General Investigations FCID Abuja,  Salman Dogo Garba.

Others are CP PAP Western Lagos, Dungus Ali Monguno;  CP Police Mobile Force FHQ, Audu Ali Dabigi; CP Anti-Fraud FCID Annex Lagos, CP Patrick A. Atayero; CP INEC Abuja, Olaiya Victor Mobolaji; CP CCR, Olaolu A. Adegbite; CP DFA Force Intelligence Bureau, CP Disu O. Rilwan and  CP Armament FCH Abuja, Mohammed S. Dalijan.

The statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer and the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, listed others to include Provost Marshal, CP Dan-Mamman E. Shawulu; CP Servicom, R&P, FHQ Abuja, CP Clement Robert; CP X-Squad FCID Abuja, CP Rhoda Olofu; CP Anti-Human Trafficking, CP Onah Ambrose Sunny; CP PAP Eastern, Yetunde Longe and 19 others.

“The Inspector General of Police has instructed all newly posted and redeployed officers to strive to ensure that their commands, formations, and departments comply with the police reform mandate,” it said. 

He also tasked them to ensure compliance with all standard operating procedures in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The posting is with immediate effect.