Kayode Shopekan
AHEAD of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra state, Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Echeng Echeng has encouraged citizens to feel free when they see security operatives and not be afraid or intimidated.
Echeng made the statement on Friday while warning police officers deployed to the state to be civil in carrying out their duties of providing adequate security during the election.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Commissioner said he is impressed with the level of security across the state ahead of the governorship election.
He disclosed the force had commenced aerial surveillance of the entire state on Thursday.
“The aerial surveillance is to feed those on ground with information to enable them tackle any security concern anywhere across the state,” he said.
Mr Echeng said that available information to his office indicated that the people were complaining of heavy presence of security men in both urban and rural areas.
“What we are telling everybody in Anambra is to feel free at the sight of security men in their areas, because they are there to provide security and not to intimidate any lawful person.
“We have equally told our personnel to be civil to the people, but for anyone coming out to make trouble, let them deal decisively with such trouble makers,” he said.
The police commissioner said that information from the riverine area was equally impressive.
The Nigerian Police Force, deployed more than 34, 000 personnel, while Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed 20, 000 personnel outside those from the military and paramilitary.
Warning his men against misconduct during Saturday’s election, Commandant-General of NSCDC, Dr Abubakar Audi, told his men at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka that they were not in Anambra for war, but to provide security during the election.
He added that any personnel of the corps found wanting on the rules of engagement would be treated accordingly.
