Elections: Police announce restriction of movement, ban quasi security outfits in Yobe

As Nigerians prepare to cast their ballots in upcoming governorship and state houses of assembly elections, Yobe State Police Command has announced restriction of inter and intra-state movement of people, goods and services except those on essential services.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim indicated that the enforcement of the restriction will commence from Friday midnight being March 17 to 6pm of Saturday, being March 18, 2023.

According to the statement, the State Commissioner of Police warned all quasi-security outfits and voluntary security organizations who have no role to play in the conduct of elections to steer clear and allow constitutionally recognized agencies to perform such roles.

“The Command will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual(s) or group(s) who try to test its will”, he warned.

The Commissioner of Police further reiterated the commitment and the preparedness of the Police and other sister security agencies in ensuring a peaceful and orderly conduct of the Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly Elections in the state.

CP Haruna G. Garba, in the statement, however, commended good people of the state for their cooperation and understanding during the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state, while appealing for more collaboration in the forthcoming elections.

“On our part, the Police Command and Sister Security Agencies would ensure a level playing field for all contestants.

“For the electorates, the Police will provide a safe and secured environment to exercise their civic rights free from undue interference and intimidation”, he assured.

The Commissioner also warned mischief and trouble makers to have a rethink and desist from any act of violence as any such attempt will be met with stiff resistance.