16th November, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun
Police said on Saturday morning they have deployed drones for monitoring of the ongoing Ondo governorship election.
The Ondo State Police Command said this on its X handle while urging the public not to panic at the sight of the drones.
According to the post on the X handle, the drones were deployed around offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and at some polling units.
The post by the Police reads:
“Attention pls!
“If you see a Drone flying around INEC Office and some of the polling units, don’t get scared, the drones are Police Drones for election monitoring. Thanks”
The Nigeria Police had earlier indicated its readiness to ensure that the Ondo governorship election is violence free. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Abiodun Alabi is leading the police team for the election.
While briefing newsmen on Thursday in Akure after meeting with the head of security agencies, Alabi assured the Nigeria Police Force are set for the election with adequate preparations and measures, including effective deployment of personnel across the three senatorial districts, 18 LGAs, 203 Wards and 3,933 Polling Units of Ondo State.
“Conventional police officers and tactical elements of the force comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Explosive Ordinance unit (EOD-CBRT) and the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) are already on ground.
“These units will be supported by the operatives from the Force Criminal and Investigation Department (FCID), Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) and the Intelligence Response Unit (IRT).
“Four police officers and additional personnel from Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Correction Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
“Also from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will be on duty at all the polling units and voting points in the state,” Alabi said.
The DIG explained that a comprehensive threat analysis of the eight Area Commands and 54 Divisional Police Headquarters under the Police Command in Ondo was undertaken to identify flash points.
Alabi said that the police had collaborated with all stakeholders and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the election.
He also said that police would provide adequate security for electoral materials at wards, Local Government Area (LGA) and storage centres, during transportation, distribution and security/escort for INEC officials.
“We are going to deploy vehicular patrols to secure wards, LGA and state levels by enforcing restriction of movements and ward off any anticipated disruptions by hoodlums.
“We will provide adequate security for electoral officials, local/international Observers and voters to avoid any breakdown of law and order.
“There will also be provision of standby units to serve as rapid response teams in case of threats and emergencies,’ he said.
He, therefore, said that there would be close monitoring of collation of results at all levels and prompt attention to any plan to tamper with results or any fraud where necessary.
