IGP bans Amotekun, vigilante from Ondo governorship election

• The police spokesperson said that aerial patrols would be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats would patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.
• The IGP also vowed to deal with political thugs or individuals planning to disrupt the elections.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has prohibited Amotekun and Vigilante Corps from participating in the Ondo governorship election.

The election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, will have 17 political parties vying for seats.

In a statement released on Sunday, Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi announced the deployment of specialized police units.

These units include the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, and Counter-Terrorism Unit.

Adejobi said, “As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election draws near, the Inspector-General of Police assures the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness to ensure a peaceful election process.”

The police will deploy personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure security across all 18 Local Government Areas.

Aerial patrols and gunboat patrols will also be conducted to secure the state’s waterways and riverine areas.

The IGP warned political thugs and individuals planning to disrupt the elections, saying they will face the full force of the law.

Only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security will be allowed to participate.

The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, is committed to ensuring the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly.

“As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector-General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process,” he said.

“The election process will cut across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.

“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law.

“The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.”