The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has approved the formation of the Election Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Team ahead of the general election.
The Force Public Relations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, chief superintendent of police, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
He said members of the team would be deployed in the states of the federation to identify, analyze and mitigate security threats during the elections.
Mr. Adejobi said the team would conduct a direct evaluation and assessment of the security post before the general election.
He said the establishment of the team was a further step by the IGP for a safe, secure and credible general election.
The spokesperson added that it was also to ensure adequate security coverage before, during and after the elections.
The team was led by Garba Umar, AIG and Vice President of INTERPOL and Head of the National Crime Bureau.
A police spokesperson said the team consists of seasoned and experienced police officers with knowledge of election security management.
He said Mr. Umar would be assisted by Habu Sani, AIG and Force Secretary, Basil Idegwu, Police Commissioner, Election Monitor and Force Public Relations Officer.
Others include seven CPs, 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 30 Assistant Commissioners of Police, 30 Police Chiefs and 16 other Strategic Officers.
He said the IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the police to ensure that the elections are safe, secure, credible and in line with global best practices.
“The IGP tasked the team with, among other things, ensuring appropriateness of deployment, providing real-time coverage of the electoral process, and protecting against hostile external and internal influences.
“You should use INTERPOL, anti-cybercrime and intelligence tools and assets of the Nigeria Police,” he said.
Mr. Adejobi said the IGP has reaffirmed the establishment and viability of the Electoral Offenses Desk domiciled in the Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of all commands across the country.
He said the desk would be headed by the assistant commissioner of police in charge of SCID.
Mr. Adejobi said the mandate of the desk is to collect, investigate and prosecute all matters related to electoral malpractices nationwide.
(IN)
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