The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered the distribution of weapons for officers across the country in preparation for the 2023 general election.
He also ordered all Commissioners of Police in the country to activate the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to engage stakeholders in evolving strategies for mitigating threats to the elections.
The IG noted that political violence, hate speech, threats, political intolerance and misinformation were all potential threats to national security interests.
In a statement on Sunday, the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IG charged the CPs to ensure adequate and strategic deployment of officers and assets to ensure the safety and security of INEC personnel and materials before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
Adejobi said, “Similarly, the IGP has ordered a fresh distribution of gadgets, anti-riot gears, and personal protective equipment for police officers across the federation in preparation for the 2023 general election security management duty.
“The items include non-lethal weapons such as electro-shocks, rubber bullets, water cannons, tear gas, riot guns etc., for crowd control and to minimise casualty risk in eventual confrontations with subversive elements.
“The IG reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the protection of our democratic heritage and national security interests, while he called on other security agencies and stakeholders who constitute ICCES, as well as members of the public to deliberately aid the NPF in its drive to ensure the safety and security of all and sundry before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.”
