Police Set Up ‘Elections Security Planning And Monitoring Unit’

The Inspector-General of Police, Acting IGP Suleiman Abba, has approved the establishment of Elections Security Planning and Monitoring Unit.A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Ag.CP Emmanuel Ojukwu said this is part of efforts to strengthen the security of the electoral processes in the country and ensure sustainable democracy and national development.
According to the spokesman, the Unit which is headed by a seasoned Commissioner of Police in the Department of Operations, will be responsible for development of frameworks, processes, strategies and systems necessary for election security, planning, monitoring and management. Other duties include: conducting elections security threat assessment, coordinating election security training, developing and implementing guidelines for the conduct of Police officers engaged in election duties. It will also collaborate with strategic stakeholders, Community-based and Civil Society Organizations as well as Non-Governmental Organizations and International Development Partners in ensuring free, fair and credible elections within a secure democratic space in Nigeria.
“While assuring the general public of the determination of the Force and other security agencies to bring about hitch-free elections in 2015 and beyond, the Ag. Inspector-General of Police called on the support of all Nigerians, the political class, strategic partners, corporate establishment and all stakeholders towards actualizing this objective”, the statement said.