Police To Deploy Air Assets, Sniffer Dogs For Polls

Eniola Olayemi

Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu has said the command would deploy air assets for constant patrols during the elections.

He stated this during an interview with reporters at the Command headquarters in Ikeja, adding that there was no anticipation of violence in the state.

According to the police chief, the command was fully prepared for the exercise and has a robust operation order in place.

“We have aerial patrols even before the elections. These patrols are going to continue.

“We do not anticipate any violence anywhere but we have made adequate arrangement just in case we have any.

“The command is fully prepared for the election. On my arrival in the command I met a robust operation order in place which I went through and was satisfied everything was in place. Now, this operation order has divided Lagos into various commands and formations and all have been adequately planned for.

“We have not left anywhere unmanned. From INEC offices to the polling units and then collation centers, everywhere is going to be fully manned by security operatives.

“We are working in collaboration with other security agencies in Lagos State. I want to assure you that all flash points have been protected.

“Electorates should come out en-mass and cast their votes without fear of anything. Adequate security has been provided for each voter at his polling unit to cast his vote,” he said.

Meanwhile, The Nation gathered that the K-9 (dog) unit of the police would be fully engaged during the exercise especially in areas notorious for drug peddling and related crimes.

At the state headquarters on Friday, a detachment of operatives including those from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Anti-bomb and Intelligence Bureau were seen jumping into trucks and buses for movement to their assigned communities and local governments.

Asked why they were excited, some of the operatives confirmed to The Nation that they have received their allowances. It was gathered the other ranks (Corporal to Sergeant) received N30,000 and above which were paid directly into their accounts.