The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa, Mr Emmanuel Ekot, has issued a directive barring all quasi-security outfits from participating in election duties in the state.
In a statement released by the command spokesman, DSP Lawan Shiisu, the CP warned political thugs to stay away from the elections.
The statement also stated that all state-owned and established security outfits, quasi-security units, privately-owned guards, and security outfits are not allowed to participate in election security.
Furthermore, the police and other security agencies have been mandated to enforce a restriction of movement order from 12am to 6pm on the day of the election.
The CP has cautioned politicians in the state against any action that could compromise the peace and integrity of the electoral process.
This move by the police is aimed at ensuring that the forthcoming elections are free, fair, and peaceful.
“In this regard, the command in collaboration with all security agencies across the state will work assiduously to fish out troublemakers and their sponsors, conduct a thorough investigation and charge the culprits to court,” he added.
Ekot warned security aides and escorts not to accompany their principals to polling units and collation centres as anyone found flouting the directive would be severely sanctioned.
The CP assured law-abiding citizens of adequate security, saying they should turn out en masse and peacefully cast their votes.
He advised all security personnel deployed for the exercise to be professional, civil, and polite and shun any form of corrupt practice.
According to Ekot, the Police will not allow undesirable elements to use the opportunity offered by the elections to foment trouble. (NAN)