Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, has directed that weapons be distributed to officers across the country in preparation for the 2023 general election.
He also directed that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security be activated to engage stakeholders in developing strategies for mitigating threats to elections.
Political violence, hate speech, threats, political intolerance, and misinformation were all identified as potential threats to national security interests by the Inspector General.
The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Sunday that the IG charged the CPs with ensuring adequate and strategic deployment of officers and assets to ensure the safety and security of INEC personnel and materials before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.
Adejobi said, “Similarly, the IGP has ordered a fresh distribution of gadgets, anti-riot gears, and personal protective equipment 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 minimise casualty risk in eventual confrontations with subversive elements.
“The IG reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the protection of our democratic heritage and national security interests, while he called on other security agencies and stakeholders who constitute ICCES, as well as members of the public to deliberately aid the NPF in its drive to ensure the safety and security of all and sundry before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.”