A total of N64 billion has been approved for the Nigeria Police Force as an operations fund to manage security during the forthcoming general elections. In preparation for the elections, the Force Headquarters has dispatched anti-riot weapons, water cannons, and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Police sources have confirmed that all commands and formations across the country have received their share of the arms and ammunition, which were unveiled by the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, in Abuja last week. However, the specific quantities received by each command and formation remain undisclosed for security reasons.
One police source stated, “The HQ has deployed all the anti-riot weapons, water cannons, APCs, and other arms and ammunition in all 37 commands and police formations in preparation for the elections.” Another source added, “We have received the arms and ammunition, including water cannons, APCs, and anti-riot weapons, and we’re fully prepared for election security management. However, we cannot disclose the total number we received for security reasons.” Reports indicate that N2.98 trillion was allocated for the police, military, intelligence, and paramilitary services as recurrent and capital expenditures for defense and security in the 2023 approved budget, which constitutes 13.4 percent of the entire N21.83 trillion budget. The N64 billion allocated for police operations during the elections was included in the N21.83 trillion budget approved by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on January 3, 2023.
The Force Headquarters has confirmed the deployment of the equipment and assured the public of security before, during, and after the elections. The police have also been deploying adequate personnel to ensure security during political activities, as political parties have requested increased police presence at campaign venues. Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated, “There is no cause for alarm as we have shared a large number of equipment, especially anti-riot equipment such as APCs, water cannons, tear gas, pepper sprays, and some non-lethal weapons. We do not want to specify the actual number deployed to avoid revealing our strength to potential adversaries, but every command has received its share, and we are confident they will be effective.”
Security experts have commented on the deployment of anti-riot weapons, water cannons, APCs, and other arms to the 37 state police commands and formations, viewing it as evidence that the police are taking charge of election security management in the country. Security expert Chidi Omeje remarked, “This is good news for Nigeria and Nigerians. Nigeria is a democracy, and constitutionally, the police are supposed to be the de facto security agency in charge of internal security and election security management. The recent deployment of arms and ammunition, along with the N64 billion allocated for police election security in the 2023 budget, indicates that we are on the right track as a country. If the police remain committed and the N64 billion is sufficient, we can achieve peaceful, safe, free, fair, and credible elections this year.” Another expert, Emmanuel Ojukwu, welcomed the deployment and budget, stating that it would boost the morale of police officers and enable them to effectively manage election security, prevent crimes, and apprehend troublemakers.
The police high command has also announced that it will provide additional security cover for political parties upon request. Adejobi explained, “We have been deploying personnel for various political activities and will continue to do so. Other security agencies have also deployed adequate personnel to support us. The number of personnel we have deployed is sufficient for any normal and peaceful rally or campaign, unless political parties indicate otherwise. We do not require any conditions from political parties before deploying personnel; we only ask that they inform the police of their planned rallies or campaigns and ensure they remain peaceful. We expect them to abide by the law and respect the peace accord already signed at all levels.”
The Lagos State Police Command has urged residents and voters to be law-abiding, assuring them that the police are prepared and that the state is secure for the elections. Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin stated, “The state is secure, and we’re prepared for the conduct of the elections. However, we urge residents and voters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.” Similarly, the Osun State Police Command has implemented measures to ensure security during the elections, emphasizing that attacks on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices will not be repeated. Public Relations Officer Yemisi Opalola assured the people of Osun State that the state is safe and that measures are in place to protect lives and property.
The Ogun State Police Command reported that it has not yet made any arrests related to last year’s attacks on INEC offices but assured residents of their safety before, during, and after the general elections. Public Relations Officer Abimbola Oyeyemi stated, “We’ve yet to make any arrests, but we’re still investigating. However, we assure residents of their safety.” In contrast, the Imo State Police Command revealed that several suspects have been arrested in connection with attacks on INEC offices in the state, according to Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye, who confirmed, “Several arrests have been made in connection with the four different attacks on INEC offices in the state.”
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