As preparations intensify for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for this Saturday, a major security operation is already underway to ensure a peaceful voting process. A significant deployment of 35,000 police officers has begun arriving in the state to maintain order, while additional personnel from other security agencies have also joined the effort.
In addition to the police, soldiers, officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been deployed to support the security operations. These measures are intended to prevent violence and ensure the safety of voters throughout the election process.
The Defence Headquarters emphasized that the deployment of military personnel is aimed at providing a secure environment. In an interview with The Punch, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the military’s presence during elections is vital to encourage voter turnout and safeguard citizens.
He noted, “The military is resolute on taking steps to ensure a hitch-free election in Edo State.”
As of Tuesday, soldiers have already started patrolling key areas of Benin City, including Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ring Road, and Akpakpava Road, signaling the readiness of the forces to maintain peace.
However, their presence has raised concerns, as previous court rulings questioned the role of the military in election security.
Despite these legal concerns, some security experts, like Taofik Onigbanjo, believe the military’s presence will help deter potential troublemakers but warned against intimidating voters.
Police forces under the direction of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun have also intensified their presence, with the first batch of the 35,000 officers arriving on Tuesday. Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed that additional officers are expected to join the existing force to ensure smooth operations during the poll.
The NSCDC has added 6,433 personnel to the security apparatus, including officers from neighboring states and special security units, to address volatile areas in the state. According to Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC spokesperson, the officers have been positioned in key areas to prevent disruptions during the election.
In preparation for the election, there are concerns about the potential for vote-buying due to the current economic hardship in the country. Several organizations, including the Transition Monitoring Group, have called on the EFCC to deploy more officers to monitor and curb this issue. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has also warned against vote-buying and assured the public that EFCC officers will be present at polling units.
