The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has deployed a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, three commissioners of police and over 5,000 policemen to provide security for the Bayelsa rerun election holding on Saturday.
The poll, which is holding in seven local government areas of the state, would be supervised by policemen drawn from the neighbouring states and the zonal command.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, told journalists in Abuja on Wednesday that two helicopters, four gunboats and other equipment would be deployed to ensure a hitch-free election.
Kolawole explained that none of the police personnel in the Bayelsa State Police Command would participate in the poll, adding that they would all be redeployed in other councils where elections will not hold.
She stated that four policemen would man each police unit, adding that two of the cops would be armed to ensure the security of voters, election officials and materials.
She said, “The police have deployed the necessary personnel, material and equipment to ensure that the election is peaceful and violence-free.
“Security for the poll will be provided by over 5,000 police officers who will be supervised by a DIG and three CPs.
Of course, we are counting on the support of the Nigerian Navy especially in the coastal areas where four gunboats will also be deployed.”
The police spokesperson assured Bayelsa citizens of maximum security during the poll, adding that policemen attached to the Police Mobile Force, Marine Police Unit and the Police Force Animal Branch had been mobilised for the exercise.
Meanwhile, the police have commenced extensive security operations in the state including the deployment of undercover detectives and surveillance helicopters for aerial patrols.
The Force said gunboats and speedboats would complement the marine unit to convey security personnel and election materials to coastal communities, adding that armed personnel from the PMF, Special Protection Unit as well as the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Force were on the ground to support the ongoing security operations in the state.
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