220 Police Vehicles Deployed For Security During Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Polls

Ahead of the forthcoming off-season governorship elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States, the police have deployed 220 patrol vehicles to boost security.

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, announced the deployment while reviewing preparations for the polls at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

IG Baba said the patrol vehicles comprising Rapid Response Squad vehicles and other operational assets will reinforce security across the three states during the elections.

According to a statement by police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP noted that adequate arrangements have been made to combat any security threat before, during and after the polls.

Baba stated that sensitive election materials will be effectively protected while polling units and collation centers will also be secured.

The police chief directed Commissioners of Police in the affected states to ensure compliance with directives regarding the elections. He charged them to be apolitical and work with stakeholders for successful polls.

Baba reiterated the determination of the police to work with INEC and other agencies to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the three states.

He called on citizens to come out en masse and exercise their voting rights without fear of intimidation. The IGP warned that anyone who engages in electoral malpractice will face the consequences.

The off-cycle governorship elections will hold in Imo and Kogi States on November 11 while Bayelsa goes to the polls on December 10.