- Odibo Victory
The Nigerian Police Force has commenced the deployment of security operatives ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election on Saturday.
The development was disclosed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, in a video on the Force official X handle on Friday.
“We are live at Osun State Command Headquarters, Osogbo and we have commenced deployment,” he said.
Iniedu disclosed that the Force’s air unit is on ground while various security has been deployed across each local government area in the state.
“As we speak, our air component has arrived. Our helicopter and drone unit are on ground and they have commenced surveillance patrol across the state.
“We also have deployed one unit of the police mobile force, we call them the PMF, some people call them the MOPOl.
“We have one unit across each local government area headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police who is also a Commander, he said.
He revealed that each unit will be under the supervision of a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
“These units will also be supervised by a commissioner of police and a deputy commissioner of police at each of the local government areas,” he said.
Commenting on the Independent Electoral Commission’s (INEC) security level, he said that nine units have been deployed to ensure maximum orderliness and protection.
“At the INEC we have two units of combat ready, armed PMF personnel.
“We also have seven units of Special Protection unit who will be responsible for the movement and sensitive and non-sensitive INEC materials for the election as well as the protection of our electoral officers, he said.
Iniedu also said that all the security agencies are working together to ensure that all deportment are in sync.
“At the command here, we have two units of the armed mobile force personnel for quick responses.
“All security agencies are working together so all deployments are in sync,” he said.
Speaking on the security level at each polling unit, he disclosed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has given the directive that four unarmed personnel should be deployed to each polling booth.
“For this election, the IGP has directed that we post four unarmed personnel to each polling booth.
“We also have pockets of armed patrols around the town and checkpoints,” he said.
The PRO stated that as part of security efforts, the town will be on lockdown as from 12 midnight, stopping all vehicular movements.
“By 12 midnight on Friday into Saturday, we will be locking down the town, we would be stopping vehicular movements at all locations in Osun state,” he said.
He reiterated the Force commitment to ensuring that the state is calm during the election period.
“I’d like to use this opportunity to assure citizens of Osun State that Osun state is calm and the police is on top of its game to ensure we have everywhere covered,” he said.
The PRO also appealed to mother to keep a watch on their underage children so as to prevent underage voting and involvement in thuggery or violence during the election.
“I would like to appeal to mothers to ensure that their underage children are not used for underage voting or any form of electoral violence or thuggery,” he said.
He encouraged the voters to come out in mass and exercise their franchise tomorrow.
“I would also like to speak to all voters to come out in mass and cast their franchise as we have everything under control,” he said.