The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Usman Alkali, has directed heads of police formation across the country to ensure that all state-run security agencies are not engaged in electioneering activities towards next year’s general elections.
Alkali gave the directive on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of a conference for Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above.
“All quasi-security outfits that were established by the various state governments and local communities, operating under different nomenclatures, structures and orientations have no legal roles in the Electoral Act 2020,” the police inspector general pointed out.
“Hence, you are charged to ensure that they are not in any way or manner utilised by any political or community actor for any role during the electioneering campaign and other electoral processes.”
“Such will amount to acts in illegality and a potent threat to national security which could be inimical to our nation’s democratic interest.”
He also urged the officers to situate their decisions and actions within the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Code, as well as other obligations contained in the Constitution, Nigeria Police Act, and other extant laws.
