The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali-Baba, has sent additional personnel, protective equipment, and anti-riot equipment to Gombe State via Armoured Personnel Carrier.
Mr. Oqua Etim, the Commissioner of Police, stated that the deployment by the IGP is to strengthen the command as well as improve the operational and conventional outfits of the personnel in the state.
He stated that the personnel deployed to the state came from the Police Mobile Force, Police Special Forces, the IGP Election Monitoring team, and other tactical teams within the force.
According to him, the personnel are to assist the command in adequately securing the state and putting a stop to political thuggery and other electoral offences.
The commissioner said he has directed the deployment of the tactical squads and distribution of acquired gadgets to Area Commands, Divisional Police Headquarters for effective utilization.
Etim commended the efforts of officers in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the presidential elections, urging them to replicate the feat during Saturday’s poll.
He further tasked personnel of the command to remain neutral and apolitical in the electoral process while exhibiting a high level of alertness and professionalism.
Etim warned troublemakers to stay away from any activities that are capable of breaching peace during the polls because ”the command in collaboration with other security agencies will adequately respond to any security threats in the state”.