Elections Security: Police, DHQ, DSS strategise to ensure hitchfree polls

By Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja

As 2023 Presidential Elections approaches, the Nigeria Police, the military and Department of State Services have reiterated its resolve to ensure that credible elections are conducted under a hitch free, safer and fair process come February 25, 2023.

All the representatives of the security agencies made this vow on Thursday during its meeting with Defence Correspondents in Abuja.

Speaking for the Nigeria Police,the Force Public Relations Officers (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Police as the lead security agency in collaboration with the military and other security agencies has put in place mechanisms to safeguard and ensure a conducive environment for a hitch free polls.

He said, to ensure safety, effective policing and prevent miscreants from disrupting the electoral process and forestall peace during the elections, the Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered the restriction of movement on the election day nationwide, including the Federal Capital Territory.

The IGP added that no vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on election day except those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, the press, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, amongst others

The order, he said would ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of elections, is aimed at ensuring public order management, the safety of electorates, as well as assisting the security agencies ineffective policing, thereby preventing hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process.

The Police boss also warned the security aides and escorts to stay clear from the polling stations. participation.

Speaking for the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, reassured that the military would continue to support the Nigeria Police, the lead agency of election security management and other govt agencies responsible for conducting elections for a peaceful and credible elections.

The CDS who was represented by the Director Defence Information, Major General Tukur Gusau noted that the military is committed to ensuring that the elections will be conducted and everyone will be at liberty to exercise his franchise.

He said, DHQ has established a monitoring team in conjunction with other security agencies that will oversee the process in FCT and all 6 geopolitical zones of the country.

Similarly, operations centres have been established in FCT and the 36 states of the country to serve as quick response centres for all distress calls in the event of any breach of peace during the general election.

In the same vain, the DSS has assured of its commitment towards ensuring a peaceful exercise.

The DSS Public Relations Officer, Dr Peter Afunanya also pledged the agency’s neutrality, professionalism and good conduct of its personnel to enhance a democratic process.

He said, the DSS will continue to discharge its mandate of disseminating timely, actionable and proactive intelligence necessary for tactical, operational and strategic decisions even beyond the elections.

Dr Afunanya reiterated to partner with other sister security and law enforcement agencies, government agencies and other election stakeholders particularly the INEC and Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations to ensure a hitch free electoral exercise.