IG commends security forces for successful off-cycle polls elections, vows to probe incidents

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has praised the dedication and diligence of police officers, military personnel, and other security operatives in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

This was made known in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi shared on the police force X account on Tuesday.

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The IGP commends the commitment displayed by the security personnel, highlighting their role in maintaining law and order, safeguarding the electoral process, and ensuring the safety of citizens.

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The statement said, “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, PhD, commends all police officers, the military and operatives of other security agencies involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi noting that the commitment and due diligence displayed by the security operatives in policing the electoral process is highly productive and commendable.

“The IGP emphasizes that the electoral process in the three states transpired seamlessly, defying earlier threat assessments and projected challenges from various quarters. He acknowledges the exceptional efforts of the security personnel in maintaining law and order, safeguarding the electoral process, and ensuring the safety of citizens.

“In another development, however, the IGP notes, with concern, pockets of incidences that occurred during the elections and charged the Electoral Offences Desk Officers, under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, to commence immediate investigations into these incidences.

“Furthermore, in Kogi State, it has been confirmed that three officers who were arrested by soldiers and handed over to the Police were indeed police personnel but were found to be escorting a VIP contrary to directives. Others who were arrested by election officers escorting VIPs during the polls will also be sanctioned as such actions are against established protocols, and the officers involved will face disciplinary measures as a consequence.

“The IGP expresses gratitude to all security agencies involved in the collaborative effort to secure the elections, and he calls on officers to remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties, while emphasizing the importance of adherence to guidelines, rule of law and standard operating procedures of their agencies for more secure democratic institution in Nigeria.”