…Charges officers on increased collaborative efforts to enhance internal security
By Abdallah el-Kurebe
ASHENEWS reports that the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammed Usaini Gumel has identified political thuggery, and quasi-security outfits, employed by politicians as some of the threats against peaceful election.
He also charged officers and men of the Command, to increase the existing collaborative efforts towards stabilizing the internal security order and creating an enabling space for the peaceful conduct of the electoral process.
Gumel gave the charge at a meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Heads of Police Formations, on Thursday.
The meeting aimed to review the internal security of the state and streamline our plans towards conducting the 2023 general elections.
According to Gumel, “the police under my watch are directed to lunch crackdowns on the activities of quasi-security agents, who may be employed by politicians, and to stop them from participating in the electoral process.
“We will ensure that they are closely monitored and the illicit activities of all non-state actors such as Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Hunters, are curtailed.c
The CP gave the charge against the background that “there are concerns that the current internal security realities in some parts of the state could impact on the peaceful electoral processes of the 2023 general elections.”
CP Gumel commended the officers and men of the Police Force “for their professionalism, commitment and working in synergy with the military and other security agencies in the state, particularly under the auspices of ICCES and all other stakeholders in keeping the peace for the conduct of the forthcoming 2023 general elections, notwithstanding the fragile internal security challenges in our communities.”
The CP drew their attention to emerging crimes that were threatening national security that could also undermine efforts of entrenching peaceful electioneering process.
“As you are aware, some emerging crimes are threatening national security and could undermine our efforts towards entrenching a peaceful electioneering process, if not adequately curtailed.
“These include banditry, terrorism, and thuggery, most of which have political undertones and in most cases the consequences constitute major security threats to our democracy. It has already ravaged many communities particularly in the Eastern and Southern parts of the state and are with adverse effects on the economic and social wellbeing of the residents,” he stated.
Gumel also noted other emerging concerns such as Illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) trafficking, use of conventional services uniforms being utilized by unauthorized persons to advance political violence, political extremism and intolerance, while syndicated unconventional media cyber bullying for political ends is also seen on the rise daily.
He assured that in spite of the threats, the Police Command “will keep to its statutory responsibility of stabilizing the internal security order to keep the peace before, during and after the elections.”
The CP reiterated that “all cadres of policemen under my watch will increase collective efforts with the military and other relevant security agencies to ensure no political actor or miscreant is able to subdue any part of the civil space.
“It is emphatic to also note that beyond the mandates, under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), the Nigeria Police is primarily responsible for securing the public space and the territorial integrity of the country before, during and after the elections and this remains sacrosanct.
“On this development, the police will intensify working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other intelligence and security agencies in the state, including both local and foreign observers, towards delivering a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
“The police under my watch are directed to lunch crackdowns on the activities of quasi-security agents, who may be employed by politicians, and to stop them from participating in the electoral process. Likewise, ensure that they are closely monitored and the illicit activities of all non-state actors such as Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Hunters are curtailed.
“I wish to reiterate, that national security interest overrides our personal considerations and desires. Accordingly, as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, we have been directed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba NPM, fdc, NEAPS, CFR to send stern warning to all police officers as much as we will Police the election, to work in the most civil and rule of law compliant manner.
“We shall remain apolitical and leave no one in doubt of our desire to give effect to the charge of Mr. President to ensure free, fair and credible elections across the state. We shall also ensure that our personnel and other security agencies that are to be deployed for the elections, have a clear knowledge of their roles and operate within acceptable legal and ethical standards, which are in line with international best practices.
“Already, I have directed the distribution of the recently compiled and printed handbooks titled: ‘Revised Standard Operational Guidelines/Rules for Police Officers and Other Law Enforcement Agents on Election Security Duties’.
“All Area Commanders, DPOs and Heads of Departments and Formations who are yet to collect their copies must ensure they do so today at the end of the Conference. Area commanders and DPOs are similarly directed to also make the content of the handbook subject of lecture to their personnel prior to their deployments for the election duties, with strict warnings against unprofessional conducts during the elections.
“In respect to the incessant attacks on INEC facilities and other key and vulnerable government assets, Area Commanders, DPOs, Tactical teams are hereby warned to ensure the emplacement of firm actions that will deter attacks on INEC facilities/assets in this state and across LGAs AORs, especially at this crucial season of electioneering in the country.
“You are all henceforth advised to put machineries in motion that will in the most proactive manner identify, isolate, apprehend and bring to deserved justice any political actor and their foot-soldiers who may be planning to engage in any form of political violence at political rallies, during the casting of votes and after the conclusion of the electoral process.
“On this note, I call on you all to conduct yourselves within the dictates of the Electoral Act and other laws, while I wish to once again reassure the citizens of this nation of the Police’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful, secure, free, fair and credible elections.
“On my part, I will continue to provide responsible and responsive leadership that will address their fears of crimes and engender unified Police/citizens cooperation on the war against crimes in the country,” Gumel state.
He called on parents and guardians to counsel their children and wards to resist the urge of being recruited to become tools that could be used to attempt to disrupt the electoral process. The Nigeria Police Force, working with the Military and other security agencies will not, I repeat, will not allow any person or group, no matter how highly or lowly placed in the society to derail the electoral process,” he further states.
