The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 15,000 personnel across Osun State to provide security during the Aug. 15 governorship election, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the poll, Samuel Etaifo, has announced.
Speaking at a news conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, Etaifo said a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) and an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) would also oversee election security operations to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.
The commissioner disclosed that he arrived in Osun two weeks ahead of the election following his deployment by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to coordinate security preparations.
According to him, the IGP had earlier visited the state to assess the political climate and directed immediate measures to ease rising tensions ahead of the election.
Etaifo said the police high command also deployed 16 units of the Mobile Police Force to reinforce security across the state.
“The Inspector-General mandated us to maintain peace, clear the ground for a peaceful, tension-free and successful election, and reassure residents of their safety before, during and after the poll,” he said.
The police commissioner warned that anyone found violating electoral laws, regardless of political affiliation or social status, would be arrested and transferred to Abuja for prosecution.
He expressed confidence that the security measures already in place, combined with the deployment of additional personnel, would guarantee a peaceful, free and credible governorship election.
Etaifo also called on residents, political parties and other stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies by conducting themselves peacefully and reporting suspicious activities throughout the electoral process.
source: NAN
