By Mathew Denis and Ahmed Ajikobi
In order to ensure safety of lives and property, before, during and after Saturday’s Presidential election, the Kwara State Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies will deploy no fewer than 8,000 personnel to strategic positions in the state.
Also expected to provide security during the election is the Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Customs and Immigration officers.
The security agencies made this known in separate interviews with our reporter yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Speaking with our reporter, the state Police Public Relations, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi said that the the entire 3,979 officers in Kwara will be deployed for the poll.
He added that the new Commissioner of Police, Kayode Egbetokun will lead other police officers in the state in ensuring the election is hitch free.
According to Okasanmi, the Kwara State Police Command will join forces with other security agencies in the state adding that the security agencies have met with leaders of political parties and candidates to ensure hitch free election.
He said, the stakeholders also signed an undertaking towards this regard.
He however advised voters to maintain peace while exercising their civic rights as any caught with harmful objects of fomenting trouble during the election will be arrested.
“If they wish to hear the result, they can keep a distance of about 300 meters to the voting arena and peacefully be looking at what is happening,” he said.
In his response, the newly deployed Commandant of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, Bello Aleh urged the electorate to abide by rules and regulations of the polls. According to him, 2,000 of his officers will be posted to strategic locations for the election.
Also, the Commandant of NDLEA in the state, Barr. Ona Ogilegwu said a total of 80 officers will be deployed for Saturday’s poll.
Ogilegwu made this known during a telephone chat with this medium yesterday.
Recall that the agency recently identified 18 hot spots in Ilorin ahead of the election.
The Commandant however warned politicians to desist from buying drugs for youths and using them as political thugs during the polls.
He said, “We are fully on ground to work with other security agencies in the state to ensure violence free election. Anyone culpable of disrupting the election will be dealt with in accordance with the laws.
