By Milcah Tanimu

The military and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, have jointly announced their unwavering commitment to confront any individuals or groups attempting to steal ballot boxes during the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states.

These top security officials have issued stern warnings to troublemakers, emphasizing their determination to deal decisively with those who disrupt the electoral process. The police have deployed a substantial force of 67,000 personnel in Kogi and Bayelsa states to ensure the security of the elections.

In this electoral battle, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State are seeking re-election, while Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is concluding his second term and supporting the All Progressives Congress candidate, Usman Ododo.

Maj Gen Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding of the 6th Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, issued clear instructions during ‘Exercise Safe Conduct 2023’ in Bayelsa State. He warned anyone planning to steal ballot boxes or cause trouble during the governorship election to stay away from the coastal state or face severe consequences.

The GOC emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the electorate, allowing them to vote for their preferred candidates without fear of intimidation. He stated, “We must ensure that everywhere is safe, and people are able to see sufficiently that we are fully on the ground to boost public confidence in the electoral process.”

General Abdussalam also emphasized the importance of adhering to a code of conduct and rules of engagement, urging the troops to conduct themselves professionally before, during, and after the polls. He made it clear that complacency at any level would not be tolerated and called on all participating troops to apprehend troublemakers during the election.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reinforced the commitment to maintaining peace during the governorship election. He mentioned that the police would deploy boats for election security in riverine areas in Bayelsa and Kogi states, ensuring adequate personnel and gunboats for security measures.

Egbetokun also assured the security of collation centers, stating that they would be heavily secured to prevent any breaches. The Nigeria Police Force had previously acquired operational gunboats to enhance patrols and emergency responses along the nation’s waterways.

In preparation for the elections, a convoy of military personnel and armored vehicles was observed entering Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. The joint efforts of the military and police are focused on ensuring the peaceful and secure conduct of the upcoming governorship elections.