The Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies said they have taken appropriate measures to ensure that their personnel and officers fulfill their constitutional roles without any hindrance during the general elections.
The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau disclosed this during the Security Joint Press Briefing on 2023 General Elections in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
General Gusau said “this is not the first time that Nigeria is conducting elections but this election comes with some challenges”.
He noted that the police are the lead agents in election security while the Armed Forces will give them support.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained that restriction of movement starts from 12am on Saturday 25th February to 6pm same day.
Adejobi said that “exceptions include accredited Journalists, Observers and essential service providers”.
According to him, there will be ban on unauthorized use of sirens, tinted glasses and plate numbers and violators will be arrested.
He noted that VIPs are not allowed to move with security operatives except governor’s ADC and Orderlies.
The Police PRO stressed that only registered voters would participate in the election process and advised voters to move closer to their polling units by Friday because of the restrictions of movement.
Adejobi urged the media to be objective in their reportage during the election.
The Director Public Relations Officer, Department of State Services, (DSS), Dr. Peter Afunanya assured of DSS commitment to a peaceful exercise.
According to him, DSS, pledged its neutrality, professionalism and good conduct of its personnel to the democratic process.
He said that “it would continue to discharge its mandate of disseminating timely, actionable and proactive intelligence necessary for tactical, operational and strategic decisions even beyond the elections”.
“Also, it will partner with other sister security and law enforcement agencies, all levels and arms of Government and indeed all stakeholders particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and relevant Non-governmental and Civil Society Organisations to ensure a hitch free electoral exercise.”
He called on all citizens and residents to be law abiding before, during and after the elections.
He enjoined the eligible voters to cast their votes without any form of violence and also maintain peace after that.
