……. Reiterates ban on VIP Aides, Escorts, State Security Outfits
……Urges Citizens to be Law Abiding, Assures of Unhindered Exercise of Franchise
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 5 pm in all affected states with the exception of those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Accredited Media and Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc. in the twenty-three states of the Federation covering National Assembly, gubernatorial, and State Houses of Assembly elections in forthcoming Supplementary Elections scheduled to hold on Saturday 15th of April, 2023, in areas where they were not concluded during the previous General Elections.
According to a press release on Friday, 14th April 2023 signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the IGP reiterated the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election.
“State-established and owned security outfits/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management, Adejobi said.
The affected states comprise Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Yobe, Katsina, and Enugu States.
“The Inspector General of Police, therefore, urges all citizens to be law-abiding during and after the elections even as he assures that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered.
“He also urges the general public to contact the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters via 08033440189 (DIG Operations), 08033027731 (AIG FEDOPS), and 08034040439 (CP Elections), the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ on Android and ios, and via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line on 08031230631, to request emergency security response.
“Similarly, other election situation room numbers which have been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms will be repeatedly released by concerned State Police Commands for necessary emergency contact, the statement concluded.
