Police Ban Amotekun in Ondo Election Security

|B y Adejumo Adekunle –

Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has prohibited Amotekun and other state-backed security outfits from participating in the upcoming Ondo governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024. The ban ensures that election security remains under federal control, following strict guidelines.

In a statement on Sunday, police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi detailed the deployment of specialized police units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the K-9 Unit. The deployment will include aerial patrols by police helicopters and gunboat patrols across waterways to guarantee safety throughout the election.

“The IGP has set comprehensive security plans in motion for a peaceful election across all Ondo wards and polling units,” Adejobi affirmed. He added that the police would work alongside other federal agencies under the Electoral Act’s standards to maintain order and transparency.

Additionally, the IGP warned that any political thugs or groups planning disruption would face serious consequences. He emphasized, “No quasi-security organizations, including Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, are permitted in the election process.” The Nigeria Police Force and other federal agencies will handle security to ensure a stable, incident-free election.