The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has barred the Amotekun Corps and Vigilante groups from involvement in the upcoming Ondo governorship election.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi outlined the deployment of specialized police units for election security.

According to the statement, these units include the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, and Counter-Terrorism Unit.

He stated that aerial surveillance will be conducted with police helicopters, and gunboats will patrol Ondo’s waterways and riverine areas to enhance security across diverse terrains.

Adejobi said, “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 across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.”

He added that “comprehensive plans have been set in motion” to secure a smooth election process, including deploying adequate personnel, resources, and advanced equipment.

The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in collaboration with other security agencies,” Adejobi noted. “These agencies will strictly follow the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.”

He further explained that police helicopters would carry out aerial patrols, and gunboats would monitor waterways to deter any attempts to disrupt the election.

Adejobi also noted the IG’s stern warning against any attempts to incite violence.

He said, “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.”

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

Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process,” Adejobi stated.

He added, “The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and by the highest standards of electoral integrity.”