IGP warns quasi-security outfits to keep off Saturday’s elections matters

*Impose 12am to 6pm restriction nationwide Saturday

*Revives confidence, trust of Nigerians in police with published numbers to report directly to Force Headquarters

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

Adejobi urged the public to contact the Force Headquarters via 08033440189 (DIG Operations), 08033027731 (AIG FEDOPS), and 08034040439 (CP Elections).

Amidst fear expressed at several quarters that politicians are planning to use armed thugs to unleash massive rigging during tomorrow’s Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections in parts of the country, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba, has ordered quasi-security outfits nationwide to keep off all matters related to the process.

The situation in the country was tense on Thursday in Lagos State, as intelligence started flying around about provision of guns and bullets by ruling class in the state for their thugs to make it impossible for opposition to win in the state.

The tension was further heightened when some traditional rulers, under questionable circumstances, decided to declare strangely timed Oro Festival, which some email bent people in the state described as plot to create opportunity for ritual killings and rigging of election.

But with the IGP’s directive in Abuja, on Thursday, banning the quasi-secutity security outfits, it is hoped that all manners of shady activities of any unapproved security arrangement by anyone will be checked.

The order was contained in a statement, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

IGP Baba also announced a total restriction of movement from 12:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day, a development that should also affect any suspicious occultic rites thus allaying the fears of non-indigenous and opposition members in the state, if the order is anything to go by.

According to Adejobi, the Police High Command banned security aides attached to VIPs from accompanying their principal to polling units.

The IGP also said that the restriction would be observed in all states where elections would be conducted.

He, however, said the restriction would not affect those on essential services, such as INEC officials, election observers, accredited journalists, ambulances, and firefighters.

Baba added that the movement restriction would not affect the Federal Capital Territory.

He urged citizens to be law abiding during and after the elections.

The IG assured that necessary security arrangements had been emplaced to enable the electorate to exercise their franchise unhindered.

Adejobi urged the public to contact the Force Headquarters via 08033440189 (DIG Operations), 08033027731 (AIG FEDOPS), and 08034040439 (CP Elections).

He said the Force could also be reached through the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line 08031230631, in case of any emergency.