You Can’t Bear Firearms At Polling Units, IG Adamu Warns Policemen

Acting Inspector - General of Police , Mr . Mohammed Adamu , has said that no security personnel would be allowed to carry firearms at polling centres during the elections .

Adamu stated this when the European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria delegation visited him on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that while the elections last , security personnel would keep surveillance at the polling areas to ensure that restriction of movement and other rules are obeyed as stipulated by the electoral law .

The Police boss assured that the Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, would provide security at the various centres from the beginning to the collation stages of the elections .

“Your presence here in Nigeria to see the process will lend credence to the fact that proper arrangement has been made, ” he said.

Adamu noted that without security, credible elections would not take place ; adding that adequate arrangements had been made to protect INEC officials , election materials, installations and voters.

“We have done a lot in terms of security and training of our personnel in respect of the elections .

“Your mission to Nigeria is very important inasmuch as every Nigerian want credible elections , ” he said.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation / Chief Monitor , Domini Howell , said that the visit was to ascertain the level of preparedness of the Police for the elections .

“We know that security is important during the elections ; so, we want to meet you and know your activities for the day of the elections , ” she said.

Howell said that the EU had had 11 persons in Nigeria for the past one month to monitor the level of preparation for the general elections .

She said that the union currently had 40 persons in the field , adding that on the day of election, no fewer than 120 persons would be in the field , while people from the EU embassies would also join .

( NAN )