The Zone 5 Command of the Nigeria Police has called on the electorates to support security agencies for a peaceful conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial poll in Bayelsa State.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the zone comprises Bayelsa, Delta and Edo States.
Musa Daura, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, gave the warning when he visited the state on Monday.
Daura told newsmen in Yenagoa that the support was for the security agencies to ensure the security of lives and property before, during and after the election.
The AIG said the fight against criminality was the responsibility of all and urged the public to support the agencies to enable them to succeed in the task.
He said: “On our effort, we will assist in deploying officers and men of the police to the waterways of the state during the period and we will also provide gunboats.
“To those engaging in criminal activities, I urge you to desist from such acts in the interest of the citizenry.
“Anyone caught will not go free.”
The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Oki, said the police were prepared to deal with thugs during the elections.
Oki said: “We, the police, will not tolerate violence during the election.
“We will hunt every person trying to cause violence from any place before, during and after the election.
“The police will arrest and prosecute you according to the law of the land.
“I have come to Bayelsa and I am here to perform my civic duty and we are ready to combat crime squarely.
“In the process, I need support from all in the state, especially now the state is preparing for its gubernatorial election.”
NAN.