Egbetokun bans Amotekun, Vigilante Corps from participating in Ondo poll
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, and the Vigilante Corps from involvement in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
This directive was outlined in a statement released on Sunday by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi.
The Inspector General also announced the deployment of officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit.
To enhance security across all terrains, he directed that police helicopters conduct aerial patrols, while gunboats will monitor the state’s waterways and riverine areas.
With the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election set for November 16, 2024, the Inspector General has reassured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s strong commitment to a peaceful and orderly election across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.
“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.
“The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies. These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.
“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains. These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”
The IGP also threated to deal with political thugs or individuals planning to disrupt the elections.
According to the statement, only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in the election.
“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished,” Adejobi stated.
No fewer than 17 political parties will participate in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.