RIPPLES NIGERIA

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has informed the public that no fewer than 69,282 personnel would be deployed to provide adequate security during the November 16 governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states respectively.

Adamu revealed this on Friday while reacting to fears of insecurity expressed by the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security organised by the commission held in Abuja.

The IGP quelled rumours that thugs have been mobilised to cause violence during the polls in both states, assuring that the Nigeria Police Force was prepared to provide adequate security during the election process.

He said; “The police as the lead agency for internal security is ready for the election in Bayelsa and Kogi States. We are aware of the security challenges in the two states and we have made adequate provisions in terms of personnel and logistics to tackle any security challenge we might face.

“In Bayelsa, we are deploying 31,041 personnel to cover the election; in Kogi, we are deploying 35,200 personnel. This personnel is to cover every terrain in both states, no tout will be allowed in to disrupt the election, all those areas will be manned.”

Adamu who said that the security of INEC officials and materials was guaranteed also noted that ward collation centres and polling units would be adequately protected as well as the offices of the Central Bank of Nigeria where the materials would be kept.