2023 Polls: Buhari Commissions Police 127 Operational Vehicles

In preparation for the upcoming 2023 general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned an assortment of operational assets acquired by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for improved strategic and tactical operational deployments.

Speaking at the event, the President commended the efforts of the IGP in advancing the commitment of his administration to a reformed, modernized, fully equipped, highly motivated and citizens’ focused Police Force that is re-oriented to the virtues of professionalism, respect for the rule of law, due process, operational efficiency and best international practices in policing the nation.

The equipment commissioned included a total of 127 operational vehicles such as Toyota Hilux Pick Up vans, Zahab Classic Pick Up vans, Mikano Rich-6 Pick Up vans, Anti-Riot Water Cannons, Armored Personnel Carriers, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps, Toyota Coaster Buses, Toyota Hiace Ambulances, Mikano Trucks, and Crowd Control Barriers Vehicles.

Similarly, a large catchment of arms, ammunition, riot control agents such as tear gas, tasers, stun guns, pepper sprays, bulletproof vests, helmets, and other personal protective equipment procured by the Police were also commissioned.

The equipment which included operational vehicles, crowd control and anti-riot gadgets, and high capacity desktop and laptop computers were acquired to ensure proper enforcement of electoral laws and seamless electioneering process and stabilizing the public space before, during, and after the general elections and for the purpose of enhancing the capacity of the NPF to manage civil disorder in line with acceptable national legal framework and global law enforcement protocols.

Meanwhile, in the quest to achieve an ideal environment for safe, secured and credible 2023 general elections, the inspector-general of police, IGP Usman Baba has met with strategic managers of the Nigeria Police Force comprising deputy inspectors-general of police and members of the force management team, assistant inspectors-general of police and commissioners of police across the nation.

The IGP said the conference, which is the first for the year 2023, is targeted at reviewing the internal security of the country and reassess the NPF’s strategies towards the imminent 2023 general elections.

The inspector-general of police tasked the strategic police managers to safeguard the public space for the elections in active synergy with other security agencies.

While charging them to make certain that quasi-security outfits created and owned by state governments are precluded from the election duty, the IGP stressed that “national security interest overrides personal interest and as such, in line with the directives of Mr. President, the election shall be policed in a civil manner with full compliance with the rule of law.”

The IGP also warned all officers to remain apolitical in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.