Only Federal Forces to Secure Ondo Polls, IGP Issues Firm Warning to Amotekun and Vigilante Corps

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) and Vigilante Corps, among other similar groups, from participating in the upcoming Ondo governorship election.

The election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, will see the participation of 17 political parties. In a statement issued on Sunday by Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and orderly election across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in Ondo State.

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The IGP has confirmed the deployment of officers from specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Mobile Police Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, and others, to maintain security. Aerial surveillance will be conducted using police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas.

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Adejobi further stated that the IGP has assured the public of a thorough security strategy, involving coordination between various federal security agencies and adherence to the Electoral Act, 2022, to ensure fairness and transparency. The IG also warned political thugs and anyone planning to disrupt the election, stating they will face legal consequences.

Moreover, the IGP clarified that only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security will be permitted to participate in the election process, excluding state-backed groups such as Amotekun and Vigilante Corps. The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal agencies, remains committed to upholding the integrity of the election.