CP Etim reinforces security around INEC’s critical assets in Gombe
By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The new Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Oqua Etim, has ordered the Immediate deployment of the Command’s operational apparatus around the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) critical assets, facilities.
The Police chief said it would covert surveillance activities and intelligence gathering to checkmate crimes and other nefarious activities in line with the directives of the Inspector General Of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba.
According to Etim, it would ensure that enemies of the state do not destroy the ongoing peaceful political process towards the 2023 General Election in the State.
In a statement by ASP Mu’azu Mahid Abubakar, who is the Police Public Relations Officer of Command, the deployments are to deter all criminal elements from having access to INEC facilities and to prevent any attempt to undermine security around INEC facilities and to coordinate a swift response to emergency.
The CP also directed the Divisional Police Officers and their supervisory Area Commanders to ensure strategic deployment of tactical teams at INEC offices within their respective areas of responsibility in a bid to strengthen security and sustained surveillance in the State.
While warning politicians against the use of vulnerable youths for thuggery and use of non state actors, Etim reminded them that carrying of cutlasses, sticks, daggers or knives during political campaigns or rallies in public has been outlawed.
“As violators alongside with the sponsors will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with Section 92, Sub – section 7 and 8 of the Electoral Act 2022,” the statement partly read.
