The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris,  has directed the Commissioners of Police in Imo and Kogi States to ensure proper coordination of security operations and adequate deployment of Police personnel, for the conduct of the re-run elections in the States.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled the Senatorial elections in Imo North Senatorial District and Kogi East Senatorial District for Saturday, July 23.

Force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, in a statement on Friday said the security arrangements put in place would also cover the Houses of Assembly re-run elections taking place on the same date in the two States.

He said the IGP has approved the deployment of additional Police Mobile Force personnel, Counter Terrorism Units and Conventional Policemen from other states of the federation to Imo and Kogi States.

“The Commissioners of Police in the two States are under strict instructions from the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security for INEC Staff, election materials, the electorates, election observers and other individuals and bodies that have statutory roles to play in the conduct of the elections at the polling booths, collation centres and at INEC offices throughout the election period,” Aunah added.

The statement quoted the IGP as advising politicians, community leaders, parents and guardians to prevail on their supporters, subjects, children and wards to be law abiding and desist from any act that is capable of causing disturbance of the peace or disruption of the electoral process.

He warned that the full weight of the law would be meted out on anyone who violates the electoral act or indulges in other act capable of causing violence during the election.

Awunah urged Nigerians especially residents of Imo and Kogi states “to cooperate with the Police Personnel in discharging their duties,” while also warning “all security details to refrain from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election, as only security personnel specially assigned for election duties must be seen within and around the election venues.”