By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ishyaku Mohammed to coordinate security operations for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, announced the deployment in a statement on Wednesday.
Mohammed will coordinate the police component of the election security arrangement across the state.
He will also work with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
The DIG will be supported by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioners of Police deployed across Osun’s three senatorial districts.
The police said the officers will strengthen intelligence-led policing and ensure quick responses to emerging security threats.
The deployment adds to the earlier mobilisation of about 15,000 police operatives for the August 15 election.
The Force said the security operation will protect voters, INEC officials, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and journalists.
The IGP warned political actors and their supporters against ballot snatching, voter intimidation, thuggery and other electoral offences.
He said anyone attempting to disrupt the election would be arrested and prosecuted.
Disu also reiterated the ban on armed escorts, security aides and other unauthorised persons accompanying political figures or VIPs to polling units or collation centres.
The police further barred state-established security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations from participating in election security duties.
The Force assured residents, voters and visitors of adequate security and urged eligible citizens to vote peacefully and without fear.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, with 14 candidates, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, in the race.
