Ahead of the governorship elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has deployed undercover agents to conduct covert operations aimed at identifying criminal hideouts and taking action against them in the three states and neighboring areas.
Additionally, it has been reported that President Bola Tinubu has approved allowances for police officers deployed for the off-season elections in the three states, as well as for other officers on special duties.
Recent governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa have witnessed troubling events leading to loss of lives and property. For instance, during the last governorship election in Bayelsa in 2019, then-governor Seriake Dickson reported 22 fatalities, including members of the Peoples Democratic Party, along with other residents who suffered brutal violence before being disposed of in the sea.
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The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has affirmed that the police are well-prepared for the upcoming elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states. Adequate deployments have been made to safeguard various aspects of the electoral process, including INEC officials, accredited observers, media, materials, and facilities. Necessary escorts have also been arranged.
He mentioned that the Inspector-General of Police (IG) has ordered additional allocation of logistics, equipment, and personnel to support the concerned states. The allowances for personnel on election duty have been approved for payment.
Adejobi previously stated in September that the police would deploy a range of equipment and personnel to ensure that each of the three states is fortified for free, fair, and credible elections.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed on Friday that there is sufficient security in place. The state command has deployed undercover agents, uniformed officers, and adequate equipment to create a secure environment for voters to cast their ballots. The operatives of the State Intelligence Bureau have been conducting undercover operations and assisting with intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts across the 27 local government areas.