Dr Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police on Wednesday said that the 35, 000 operatives will be available to provide security alongside 8000 others from sister agencies for the off cycle Edo governorship election on September 21.
He revealed this in Benin at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s stakeholders meeting ahead of the poll.
The police chief said that the Edo State Security Network, which has been outlawed, would not be part of the election.
According to Kayode, security would also be deployed to man the waterways, and the entry and exit of the state.
He called on voters, party agents, and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully for a successful poll.
He said the task of securing voters and election materials rests solely on the police who are equipped and have the support of other national security agencies to ensure a credible election.
“The police will deploy 35, 000 alongside 8000 others from sister agencies for the Edo governorship election on September 21.
“The ban on Edo State Security Network is in place and the outfit will not participate in the election. No private or state-owned security apparatus would be allowed to operate during and after the election.
“All local securities in Edo state should refrain from participating in the Edo election. No one is allowed to bring arms to the election venue as such persons will be arrested
“The police will ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act and other requisite laws to provide a conducive environment for peaceful conduct of the election,” he stated
and then