Troops of Operation Pulo Shield of the Nigerian Army have arrested five political thugs in the Okaka area of Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

The Commander of the Operation, Major General Alani Okunlola, while speaking at a press briefing today at the Operation Shield Headquarters ahead of tomorrow’s governorship election, told journalists that the suspected political thugs were arrested at their hideout following a tip-off.

The suspects, according to the Commandant, had in their possession one 36 hand grenade, two empty AK47 rifle magazines, a pair of military uniform, combat boots and a bag containing personal belongings.

Major General Okunlola gave the assurance that his men would stop at nothing to make sure that no hoodlum or political thug perpetrates evil before, during and after the Saturday governorship election.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police has announced movement restrictions within the boundaries of Bayelsa and Kogi as the two states prepare to choose new governors tomorrow.

Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Olabisi Kolawole, said in a statement made available to News Express by e-mail that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E Arase, “has placed an order restricting movements within the boundaries of Bayelsa State with effect from 6.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday, 5th December, 2015.”

According to the statement, “On Kogi State supplementary election, the IGP has also directed intra-city restriction of vehicular movement, in areas where supplementary election will be conducted from 6.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday. However, persons on essential duties such as Ambulance service providers, INEC officials on-duty, security men, accredited election monitors/observers, accredited journalists, etc are not affected by this order.

“While imploring the general public for their understanding and cooperation towards the enforcement of this order, the Force notes that the order is informed by the need to forestall plans by criminal elements to undermine the electoral process as gathered through intelligence reports.

“The Nigeria Police Force advises that travellers should take advantage of alternative routes to their destinations where necessary within the hours of this restriction of vehicular movement on Saturday 5th December, 2015, as Police, complemented by the military and other security agents on duty at strategic points will subject motorists and other travellers plying the affected routes to civil and meticulous security search.

“The IGP, while assuring all law-abiding electorates of a secure and enabling environment to exercise their franchise, warns all security details to refrain from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election, as only security personnel specially assigned for election duties must be seen within and around the election designated places.”

•Additional report from Channels TV. Photo shows Operation Pulo Shield Commander, Maj Gen Alani Okunlola.

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