I Have 23,313 Policemen Ready for Elections—IGP
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba, has reaffirmed the commitment of Nigeria Police Force towards providing watertight security during and after the forthcoming March 28th and April 11th 2015 elections.
To this end, the Police boss boasted that he has over 23,000 specially trained officers and men of the Force ready for the exercise. “I have 23, 313 Policemen, specifically trained on pre-election, during and post-elections policing and security management. I can assure Nigerians that, the Force is ready to provide security throughout the country, while Nigerians go about to exercise their civic duties,” the Police boss said.
The Police boss revealed this in a press statement made available to our Correspondent on Sunday. “We are ready to provide a safe and secured ground for hitch-free polls in March 28th and April 11th 2015 general elections,” he added in the statement.
IGP Abba insists that voters have no other business at the polling station, after they have cast their vote. “What would a voter that has cast his or her vote be doing at the polling station again? I maintain here that, when you finish voting go back to your house, we would not tolerate loitering in and around the polling area.”
He stressed further in a statement signed by Emmanuel Ojukwu, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), that the Force is determined to strictly enforce all relevant laws towards guaranteeing peace and security in the nation.
The IGP therefore has warned those who have concluded or are making plans to foment trouble or cause confusion on Election Day or after the general elections to desist from such in their own interest or be ready to face the full wrath of the law, as Police intervention teams would be on hand to contain any untoward situation, and bring trouble makers to justice.
The Police High Command also stressed that the Nigeria Police Force would remain ever non-partisan and impartial. It also advised the political stakeholders not to embark on any act that may impact negatively on the public peace.
While members of the public are enjoined not to relent in their efforts at collaborating with the Nigeria Police by fishing out criminals in their midst and further report any suspicious movement in their area to the nearest Police station.