IGP Contradicts Buhari’s Order, Says Ballot Box Snatchers Will Be Arrested, Prosecuted

Pat Stevens/

Contrary to the marching orders given by President Muhammadu Buhari to security agencies to ensure that ballot box snatchers do so at the expense of their lives, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has clarified that electoral offenders would only be arrested, investigated and prosecuted.

The IGP disclosed this at the daily briefing of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, today in Abuja.

Adamu said the policemen to be deployed in poling units would not be armed, therefore removing the possibility of anyone being unduly harassed by security agents.

He said no fewer than three policemen would be deployed in each polling unit, while combined teams of armed security personnel would be on constant patrol to avert breakdown of law and order.

“We want to assure everyone that police are fully prepared to guarantee security of the electorates, election observers, electoral materials and INEC staff. We will provide security before, during and after the election.

“At least three policemen will be manning each polling unit. These policemen will not be armed so there is no cause for apprehension. We will have a tactical team of armed policemen and other security agencies who will be on patrol. We will arrest and investigate anyone who tries to disrupt the election process and hand them over to the Commissioner of Police in charge of legal for prosecution,” Adamu said.

The IGP also said citizens who have their permanent voter cards would be allowed to move around to locate their polling units wherever it is located during the period when movement is restricted.