AUTHORITIES in Nigeria have deployed 425,106 security operatives for the presidential and National Assembly election slated for Saturday, February 25, 2023.
The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, who made this known on Friday, said that the personnel are drawn from the Nigerian Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps – NSCDC, Federal Road Safety Commission – FRSC, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency – NDLEA, Nigerian Correctional Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission – EFCC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
He said the figure excludes members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“In the Police we have 310,973, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence – 51,000; Federal Road Safety Corps – 21,000; Nigerian Correctional Service – 11,336; National Drug Law Enforcement Agency – 9,447; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission – 350; Nigeria Immigration Service – 21,000.”
Baba noted that orderlies attached to Very Important Personalities – VIP, will be withdrawn during the polls.
“Just like in any other election, we expect our VIPs to drop their bodyguards/orderlies that are armed in escorting them to the polling stations,’’ he said.
“Even if they escort them, they should stop or stay at a distance so that the person can cast his votes and leave with his aides.
“We do not expect our men in the polling units. We have told our officers to comply. Those of them with the VIPs have also been communicated through our medium of communication.”