Newsbreak: IGP bans Amotekun, vigilante corps from participating in Ondo election

November 10, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, and Vigilante Corps to stay out of the upcoming Governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for November 16.

This directive, announced by Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, aims to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process.

To achieve this, the police boss has deployed specialized units, including, special Intervention squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and K-9 Unit.

Additionally, police helicopters is expected to conduct aerial patrols, while gunboats will secure the state’s waterways and riverine areas.

This multi-faceted approach will provide comprehensive security coverage across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in Ondo State.

“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies. These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.

“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains. These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”

According to the statement, only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in the election.

“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished,” Adejobi stated.