The Nigerian Police Force has deployed 34,587 police personnel to Anambra State ahead of the governorship election set to be held on November 6, 2021.
According to the Inspector General of force Usman Baba who spoke at the Independent National Electoral Commission stakeholders meeting on the Anambra State governorship election in Awka on Wednesday, he told the people of Anambra that the deployment of police to the state is to protect lives and properties and not to intimidate law-abiding citizens. He said, “Aside the optimal deployment of our intelligence assets to proactively frustrate any threat to the elections, we have also deployed a total of 34,587 police personnel for the purpose of protecting the personnel and assets of INEC, the electorates, and residents of Anambra State during the exercise.
He, however, noted that this figure will be complemented by the military and other security and intelligence agencies. He said, “Our election security is designed such that all the three senatorial districts, 21 Local Government Areas, 326 Wards and 5,720 Polling Units across the State will witness adequate security coverage.”
He said: “The overriding objective of our operational action plan is to ensure an environment that is peaceful enough to encourage the law abiding people of Anambra State to exercise their electoral franchise.
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“The message here is clear: For the political actors and electorates that are law abiding, they are fully assured of optimal security.
“However, for the destabilising elements and other deviants who despite all wise counsels are determined to deploy violence and other illegal means to advance their political interests or constitute a clog in the wheel of peaceful atmosphere for the election.
“They should be prepared for the consequences of their actions as they will be identified, isolated and decisively dealt with irrespective of their status, ideological inclinations or political affiliation.”
The IGP therefore assured that the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in election security management, shall remain impartial, firm, accountable and professional in the exercise of their statutory duties as provided for in the Electoral Act and other enabling laws.”
