I-G orders special security for INEC officials, materials

The Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has directed the Special Protection and Counter Terrorism Units of the force to provide special security for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission during and after the forthcoming elections.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by Emmanuel Ojukwu, the Force Public Relations Officer, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The statement said the directive was the fall out of a meeting by the inspector-general, Zonal AIGs and Commissioners of Police in Abuja on Monday.

Abba also directed the units to provide special security for INEC materials and ad hoc staff throughout the period.

According to the statement, the directive further demonstrates the readiness and the resolve of police to protect the nascent democracy and to ensure hitch free and credible general elections.

Abba said some of the strategies put in place to ensure free and fair polls in by the police were being implemented.

The statement allayed fears being expressed about the elections.

It appealed to the public to collaborate with and report any suspicious movement in their areas to the nearest police station.