Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 2 Command — covering Ogun and Lagos States — Joseph Mbu has warned that anyone caught involved in election violence under its jurisdiction would face the wrath of the law.
Mbu said this on Tuesday, after a meeting with Commissioners of Police (CP) and their Deputies (DCP) under his command at Zone 2 headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.
“Anybody found with dangerous weapon – firearm, cutlass, axe or anything that can cause injury to a person, will be demobilised and such weapons forcefully recovered from them,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted him to have said.
“I know that thugs are getting ready and planning to snatch ballot boxes or card readers; it is a very serious offence and whoever tries it will meet his waterloo. The police will repel whoever attempts to do that.
“Any political thugs or group financed for the purpose of election violence should re-think because we are not going to take it lightly with such people. We will not spare them and their sponsors,” Mbu warned.
Mbu said the zone had enough manpower to prosecute the elections, stressing that they were prepared to protect lives and property before, during and after the exercise.
The AIG said the zone was well prepared for the forthcoming general elections. He warned thugs and their sponsors against fueling any violence.
Mbu explained that the meeting was to look into their preparation with a view to sharing more information on the best way to provide security for Ogun and Lagos states.
He appealed to residents of the zone to go out and vote without any fear of intimidation. He promised them enough security men to police all areas.
He also warned politicians against inciting their followers against others. He said that no candidate would be allowed to use siren, arms and guards to polling booths on election days.
