The Police Service Commission, PSC, says it will deploy personnel to monitor the conduct of police officers on election duties across the 774 local government areas of the country.
The elections will commence on February 25 with presidential and national assembly seats while the governorship and state assemblies will hold on March 11.
The PSC spokesperson, Ikechukuwu Ani, in a statement on Wednesday, said the deployment is aimed at ensuring that the police operate within the ambit of the law and defined rules of engagement prescribed for officers on election duties.
Mr Ani said the commission believes that the success or otherwise of the 2023 general elections largely depends on how effectively and efficiently the police operate.
“Guidelines on Police conduct during the elections will soon be released by the Commission to guide policemen who will be involved in election security.
“The Commission will also release dedicated telephone numbers where Nigerians will be required to call to complain or commend police officers during the elections.
“Police officers found negligent or outrightly involved in official misconduct would be disciplined in line with the provisions of the law.
“Police officers are advised to restrict themselves to providing security during the elections and should not engage in serving as conductors for vote buying or other misconducts.
“The Commission will continue to hold the Police accountable for its conduct or misconduct during the elections as its contribution to deepening the nation’s democracy,” the statement added.
