The police have arrested least 25 suspected political thugs in Ondo State for alleged illegal possession of firearms.
This came to light as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of election security, Leye Oyebade, said in Ondo State yesterday that there was robust mechanism on ground to ensure safety of all stakeholders.
He said the police have deployed tactical squads and experts who have worked behind the scenes and were able to crime map the state for adequate security planning.
Oyebade said the police in collaboration with the navy, have adequately secured the riverine areas of the state.
“We have been able to put a robust mechanism on ground what is going to work, mechanism such that it is going to give us the desired result which is safety.
“We have deployed to the riverine areas. At least three per unit. We have deployed men to all the collation centers and given adequate protection to INEC officials, materials and all the necessary areas that are meant to be covered.
“Our preparation has been ongoing before now, behind the scene, we have been able to crime map the state and noted the threat analysis.
“We will not be distracted. We have enough personnel to address the issues of banditry, kidnapping and all of that. We have our technical platform to track and do the needful. “We have adequate number to address the supervision of this election, personnel are sound technically. We are good to go.
“We have been able to structure the terrain, the waterways, land and air, all entry and exit points. We have been able to get adequate personnel lectured, trained, tutored to be professional.
“So, with the personnel we have on ground, appropriate logistics and with the mindset to sacrifice because this is a major event to celebrate our democracy; the police officers morale is very high. We know that the police and other security agencies are ready to protect lives and properties.
“We have been able to support in terms of protection of INEC officials and transportation of INEC materials that started for some days now and it has been ongoing without any issue.
“We have also had confidence building patrols and have assured the people of their safety. We are on ground to protect them and so, they should come out and cast their votes.
“I appeal to everyone to be guided by the guidelines for peaceful conduct of election.
“We have a code of conduct guiding the personnel that have been deployed. They have been given a tag with their names and pictures on it to identify them in the places they are posted. Their names and mobile numbers are also with the officials at the various places they are posted. That is how we will curb fake or illegal policemen.
“We have also sent out dedicated mobile numbers- 07049960674 and 09152784339. These two numbers are for members of the public to have access to us through calls and text messages. If they think there is an urgent matter going on, they can send a message or pictures, videos to us through WhatsApp on this number; 07049936417,” he said.
The DIG appealed to Nigerians to respect the movement restriction that would commence by midnight and relaxed at 6pm on Saturday, October 10.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Commissioner (CP) Bolaji Salami said at least 25 suspects have been arrested in the last two weeks for illegal possession of firearms.
The suspects were alleged to be political thugs armed for the disruption of the electioneering process but were picked out by tactical sqauds following actionable intelligence.
According to Salami, most of them have been charged to court, adding that the police would leave no stone unturned to ensure peace and security during and after the voting processes.
“We have been picking them out. We have arrested like 25 for illegal possession of firearms and charged them to court. So far, there is calm and we are well prepared to ensure this exercise goes smoothly,” he said.
The Nation
