The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba on Sunday deployed

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) who is also the supervisory DIG for the South-West Geo-Political Zone, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, to Ekiti State ahead of the June 18, 2022 governorship election.

Kokumo is to act as the Coordinator of the security component for the election.

The IGP also ordered the mobilization and deployment of adequate police personnel, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), technical capabilities of the Police Airwing, the Force Marine, Mounted Troops, K-9 Section, and other operational assets.

The IGP noted in a statement that “DIG Kokumo is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Operation Order evolved from the Election Security Threat Assessment, to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment devoid of violence and to guarantee law abiding citizens of secured freely perform their civic responsibilities without molestation or intimidation.”

According to the IGP, Kokumo will be assisted by four Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), three Commissioners of Police (CPs), five Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and eighteen Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).

The IGP further stated that the Senior officers are to coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three Senatorial Districts, sixteen Local Government Areas and the 2445 polling units in Ekiti State.

“This includes the deployment of selected seasoned Strategic Commanders from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police and above for effective supervision of security personnel and operations in the Election,” the police boss said.

In the statement issued by CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the IGP noted that the Force has carried out these necessary operational deployments as part of actions aimed at creating a conducive and enabling environment that will guarantee the peaceful and proper conduct of the election in Ekiti State.

The police boss further noted that the personnel, comprising conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces personnel, Explosives Ordinance Unit (EOD), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), INTERPOL, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Public Relations Department (FPRD), as well as Police Medical Teams, will be on ground to guarantee free, fair, credible and acceptable election. “In addition,” the IGP said, “five Armored Personnel Carriers for patrol as well as four helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for aerial surveillance amongst other unique operational capabilities.”

The IGP reassured the nation and the international community that the Force is adequately prepared for the gubernatorial election.

“He reiterates that the Force will do everything within its powers to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all stakeholders to protect democratic values, provide level playing field for all political actors, ensure adequate protection of voters, INEC officials, equipment, accredited observers, both domestic and international, and other key players in Ekiti State.

“The IGP therefore admonishes the people of Ekiti State to be law-abiding and comply with the restriction of movement order which will be announced by the Commissioner of Police as and when due.

“The IGP equally calls on the people of Ekiti State to come out en masse and exercise their franchise adding that adequate security has been emplaced by the police and other security agencies to protect them before, during and after the election,” the statement further said.

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