The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun has 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 pockets of incidences recorded during the off-season elections held in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa State on Saturday.
The police chief also commended all police officers and operatives of other security agencies for providing adequate support to the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring security for the conduct of elections, noting that the commitment and due diligence displayed by the security operatives in policing the electoral process were highly productive and commendable.
He further emphasised that the electoral process in the three states transpired seamlessly, “defying earlier threat assessments and projected challenges from various quarters.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The IGP emphasises 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 the pockets of incidences that were recorded during the elections and charges 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.
“The IGP expresses gratitude to all security agencies involved in the election security management for lending their support to the police for securing the electoral process, and he calls on officers to remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties while emphasising the importance of adherence to guidelines, rules of law, and standard operating procedures of their respective agencies for a more secure democratic institution in Nigeria”.
