From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of the police contingent for the Edo State election, Frank Mba, yesterday, announced that the state command with the support of visiting officers, have been able to arrest miscreants at dark spots to ensure the election is hitch-free.
He disclosed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has deployed adequately for the election,saying that the police would work with other sister security agencies to provide security during the election.
“Like the IGP has already briefed Nigerians, the police will be deploying adequately for the Edo election.
“What we have done today (yesterday) is to hold a meeting with the strategic commanders, DPOs, Area Commanders, deputy commissioners of police and Commissioner of Police who are saddled with the task of providing leadership and supervision at the various levels.
“Our task is to provide a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of a free, fair and credible election. We are working with sister agencies as we cannot work in isolation.
“The state shares a border with Kogi, Delta, Ondo and Anambra states so the security will be adequately done. The Army will man these border areas that are far away while the Navy will also provide security on the water ways, while other security organizations will also work with us during the election.
“We are also providing a dedicated phone no, 07025000383 for the public to report any breach of peace. This phone number will be with me and if for operational reasons it is not with me, it will be with my PA.
“The state command as supported by visiting officers have been conducting very specialized operations. They have been conducting raids at known criminal hideouts. Most of the raids they have are target-oriented, intelligence driven and they are targeted at isolating criminal elements in the state while some have been arrested. The raid continues as we are ready to provide adequate security during this election,” Mba stated.
