IGP Orders CPs To Fortify INEC Facilities

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered all Commissioners of Police in charge of Police Commands to fortify all facilities of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The Commissioners of Police, the IGP, said should promptly activate the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to engage all stakeholders in evolving strategies for mitigating threats to the 2023 General Elections process within their various areas of responsibility.

The IGP noted that political violence, hate speech, threats, political intolerance, misinformation, and political extremism are potential threats to democracy and national security interests.

He urged all Police Commissioners to work in synergy with other members of the ICCES to reduce threats of violence to its barest minimum with swift prosecution of violators of extant electoral laws.

According to a statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi added: “IGP has ordered a fresh distribution of gadgets, anti-riot gear, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for Police Officers across the federation in preparation for the 2023 General Election security management duty.

“The items include non-lethal weapons such as electro-shocks, rubber bullets, water cannons, tear gas, riot guns etc., for crowd control and to minimize casualty risk in eventual confrontations with subversive elements”.