The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has promised to collaborate effectively with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a transparent prosecution of electoral offenders.

Over 700 offenders have been arrested by men of the Police for violation of electoral laws during the 2023 general elections which were recently held in Nigeria.

During the Presidential election in the country, 203 persons were arrested and 578 others were apprehended during the Governorship and State Assembly polls, making a total of 781.

Police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Police are ready to work hand-in-hand with INEC so as to achieve a transparent prosecution of electoral offenders.

Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba met with Strategic Police Managers of the Nigeria Police Force comprising Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs) and other Tactical Commanders at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The meeting was to evaluate Police performance during the 2023 General elections, highlight lessons and strengths, and dissect complex dynamics for subsequent optimal performance.

Baba seized the opportunity to commend police officers for their resilience, sacrifices, and professionalism during the electioneering process and enhanced the overall credibility of the elections in line with the police reform initiatives of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“He equally assured of effective collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expeditiously and transparently prosecute the 781 electoral offenders apprehended from a total of 489 major electoral infractions across the nation, as all Commands were tasked with submitting case files centrally at the Electoral Offences Desk, Office of the IGP, Force Headquarters, Abuja, for coordinated processing to INEC Legal Section.”

The IGP also charged members of the Police Force to work very well towards ensuring a stable post-election security order and a just prosecution of electoral offenders, according to Adejobi.

“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, charged the Strategic Police Managers to readjust strategies and operations towards ensuring a stable post-election security order and refocus policing attention on routine law enforcement duties.

“He similarly, and firmly, admonished all political actors and their supporters to submit to democratic norms, peaceful means, and legal procedures in advancing their interests as the Police and other security agencies shall not tolerate the resort to incitement or any act designed to threaten our national security.” (The Guardian)

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