Police deploy more than 25,000 officers in Edo state ahead Wednesday’s governorship poll

No fewer than 25,000 police officers would be deployed in Edo state and restriction placed on vehicular movement during the governorship election.

The restriction on vehicular movement is with effect from midnight of Tuesday to 6pm on Wednesday, except for vehicles on essential duties.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Don N. Awunah, these are security measures to ensure hitch-free election.

The election is scheduled to hold on September 28.

He said the police officers were drawn from various tactical teams, including mobile force and counter terrorism unit.

The others are the Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Special Protection, and Marine unites as well as Police Air wing.

Awunah said in a statement released in Abuja on Monday that police helicopters, gun boats, Armoured Personnel Carriers, police dogs and technical platforms would be deployed.

The arrangement, he said, was in addition to the deployment of officers from other sister agencies to ensure a robust security template for the election.

“The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, is determined to ensure that the rescheduled Edo Gubernatorial Election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace and security,’’ he said.

He said that the IGP has also ordered the activation of the revised operation plan for the governorship election.

“The revised election security operation plan will guarantee free, fair and credible election, secure electoral process, enable eligible voters exercise their franchise freely and voluntary, protection of election materials and officials, ensure adequate security before, during and after the election.’’
He said that the protection of lives and property in the state would be of paramount importance.

The police would be firm and decisive in dealing with any infractions of the law, actions and activities that constitute breach of peace and contrary to public order, he said.

He appealed to all officers and others of sister security agencies deployed for the election to conduct themselves in the best professional manners.

He said they should be apolitical and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement.