IGP Mohammed Adamu

The Nigeria Police says one Hundred and Twenty Eight (128) Persons have been arrested across the country for various electoral offences ranging from homicide-related crimes, vote trading, ballot box snatching, impersonation, malicious damage, amongst others, while thirty-eight (38) assorted weapons and a cache of explosives were also recovered.

The Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Following the incidents the IGP “has directed the Zonal AIGs and Command CPs to ensure adequate post-election security arrangement in their Areas of Responsibilities (AORs), with special focus on Collation Centres and other vulnerable points to ensure no breach of peace of any kind is recorded across the country”.

Similarly the IGP, expressed deep concerns over continuous use of hateful and inflammatory comments capable of inciting Nigerians against one another, especially by politicians and their followers.

He noted that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is authorised by law to announce election results warning all those, especially the social media users, engaging in unlawful announcement and dissemination of election results to desist forthwith or be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

“While the Force is not in the business of censoring Nigerians or abridging their constitutional rights of freedom of speech, it will not hesitate to rein in the full wrath of the law on any person(s) found wanting in this regard”.

“The IGP has directed the Special Election Investigation Team (SEIT) to immediately commence discrete investigation of all security related infractions during the election and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to book in accordance with the law”.

Meanwhile, notwithstanding the few unfortunate incidents, including loss of lives recorded during the election, the IGP hails the exercise as being a generally successful one and commended personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for the sacrifices made towards the successful conduct of the elections.