Mr Oqua Etim, Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, has directed the immediate deployment of the command’s operational apparatus to secure critical assets and facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.
This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mu’azu Abubakar, on Tuesday in Gombe.
The statement said Etim also directed covert surveillance activities and intelligence gathering be conducted to checkmate crimes and other nefarious activities inline with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Baba.
According to him, the directive is to ensure that enemies of the state do not destroy the ongoing peaceful political process towards the 2023 general election in the state.
“The deployments are to deter all criminal elements from having access to INEC facilities and to prevent any attempt to undermine security around INEC facilities.
“This is also to coordinate a swift response to emergency,” said Etim.
The CP also directed the Divisional Police Officers and their supervisory Area Commanders to ensure strategic deployment of tactical teams at INEC offices within their respective areas of responsibility.
According to him, the deployment will strengthen security and sustained surveillance in the state.
Etim warned politicians against the use of vulnerable youths for thuggery and use of non-state actors carrying cutlasses, sticks, daggers or knives during political campaigns or rallies.
He added that violators alongside sponsors would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with sec 92, sub section 7 and 8 of the Electoral Act 2022.
