As the Edo State governorship election approaches on Saturday, September 21, 2024, security agencies including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued strong warnings to anyone planning to disrupt the process. These agencies have pledged to ensure a peaceful and credible election while promising to deal decisively with anyone who attempts to foment trouble.
During a visit to troops in Edo, General Christopher Musa, the CDS, emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality and professionalism among security personnel. He stressed the need for all forces, including the police, civil defence, and others, to work together to ensure a free and fair election.
“We want this election to go without any rancour. We don’t want any disturbance, nobody should come and intimidate anybody,” he said.
In a similar vein, the Nigerian Police Force, which has already begun covert operations in the state, has deployed about 35,000 officers to oversee the election.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, explained that the officers would be led by Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) Frank Mba and Daniel Pedro. He warned that movement would be restricted, and only those with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be allowed outside on election day.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC has deployed 6,433 personnel to ensure public safety during the election. The agency has vowed to protect public assets and election materials throughout the process.
In addition to these measures, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has airlifted sensitive election materials to Benin, ensuring their timely delivery. This move is part of a broader collaboration between the NAF and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate the logistics of the election.
General Musa reiterated the importance of a peaceful election, stating, “Election is not war. We don’t want anybody injured, we don’t want anybody killed.” He further emphasized that only statutory security agencies would be allowed to carry arms during the election, warning that any individual found with weapons would face severe consequences.
To bolster security, plainclothes policemen have been deployed across Benin City, visiting potential hotspots to maintain order. This effort is part of a larger strategy by the security forces to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the election.
The police have also implemented movement restrictions from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day. “For those who don’t have PVCs, you don’t need to go out at all,” Adejobi warned, stating that anyone without proper identification may face harassment or arrest.
The NSCDC’s deployment strategy will cover all 18 local government areas in Edo State, ensuring that polling units, collation centers, and INEC offices are adequately protected. Special forces and undercover officers have already been deployed to monitor the situation and provide real-time security updates.
