Command identifies thuggery, cult violence, misinformation as threats
Police plan election control room for real-time complaints
The Ondo State Police Command has stepped up security preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.
It is deploying intelligence-led policing, strategic patrols and increased collaboration with other security agencies to prevent violence and protect voters.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Command, Jimoh Abayomi, a Superintendent of Police, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with THE HOPE.
He said the command had put measures in place to ensure a peaceful, free and orderly electoral process before, during and after the elections.
Abayomi said the command, as the lead security agency for election duties, was strengthening intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, strategic deployment and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
According to him, the security arrangements would cover the pre-election, election-day and post-election periods.
He said an adequate number of personnel would be deployed across the state, adding that the exact figure would be determined by operational security assessments.
The PPRO explained that vulnerable areas were being identified through intelligence gathering, historical security trends and consultations with community leaders.
According to him, the command is leaving no stone unturned to ensure adequate security across the state.
On possible threats to the elections, Abayomi identified political thuggery, cult-related violence and misinformation, as some of the potential challenges.
He, however, assured residents that the command had begun taking measures to prevent such threats from disrupting the electoral process.
According to him, security assessments were ongoing across the state’s 18 local government areas to identify potential flashpoints and other sensitive locations.
He said areas considered operationally sensitive would receive appropriate attention, but added that specific deployment details would not be made public for security reasons.
On the police’s preparedness to prevent electoral violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying, ballot-box snatching and the destruction of electoral materials, Abayomi said the command was fully prepared to discharge its responsibilities.
He said the command had commenced training sessions and lectures for personnel on professional conduct and impartiality, stressing that officers had been directed to enforce the law and protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.
Abayomi said the police were also intensifying intelligence-led operations, patrols, surveillance and inter-agency information-sharing to prevent criminals from exploiting the election period. He urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities promptly to the appropriate security authorities.
On cult groups and political thugs, the PPRO said the command would not tolerate violence or other criminal activities before, during or after the elections.
He said anyone found culpable would be arrested, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
“What we need is credible and actionable information from the people to enable swift and decisive action,” he said.
Abayomi also disclosed that the command had intensified efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and dangerous weapons.
He said the police were enforcing relevant laws, conducting intelligence-led operations and monitoring suspicious movements. He warned that anyone found in unlawful possession of firearms or using weapons to intimidate voters would face the full weight of the law.
The PPRO further revealed that the command would soon establish an election control room to receive real-time complaints and reports from members of the public during the elections.
He said reports received through the platform would be channelled through established command structures for prompt assessment and response, while patrol teams and designated response units would be deployed where necessary.
He added that incidents would be properly documented and investigated.
On the number of election-related crimes recorded or investigated during recent elections in the state, Abayomi said the figures were not currently available for public disclosure but noted that a significant number of cases had been investigated and dealt with.
The PPRO said the Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, was committed to professionalism, impartiality and the protection of lives and property throughout the electoral period.
He urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully, shun violence and misinformation, and respect the electoral process.
The command, he added, would continue to work with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of residents before, during and after the elections.
[THE HOPE]
