IGP Bans Amotekun, Vigilante from Ondo Guber Election Security

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and the Vigilante Corps from participating in the upcoming Ondo governorship election.

The election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, will feature candidates from at least 17 political parties.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG outlined comprehensive security plans for the election.

This includes the deployment of officers from specialized units such as the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit. Aerial patrols will be conducted by police helicopters, while gunboats will monitor the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure safety across all terrains.

The IG reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and orderly election, covering all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in Ondo State.

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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.

“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art 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 concert with other security agencies.

These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.

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.”

Adejobi said the IG stated that only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in the election.

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He said, “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.

“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.”

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