Police Suspend Local Security Groups In Nasarawa

Police in Nasarawa State have suspended the activities of local security outfits ahead of the general elections.

The commissioner of police in the state, Maiyaki Muhammed Baba, announced the suspension in a statement released by the command’s spokesman, DSP Ramhan Nansel yesterday.

The suspended outfits include vigilante/hunters, Nasarawa State Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES), Man’O’ War, Nigeria Legion, Boys Scout, Boys Brigade and other voluntary organisations.

The statement said the gesture was aimed at checking activities that could lead to breach of peace during the polls.

“The ban is the command’s commitment to a peaceful conduct of the general elections to ensuring a conducive and enabling environment.

“In view of the above, there will be restriction of movement of vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles on February 25, 2023 from 12a.m. to 6p.m., except for those on essential duty,” the statement noted.

The statement warned that anyone found flouting electoral laws or going about with arms would be apprehended and prosecuted.

It urged police personnel and those of the sister security agencies deployed for the assignment to respect the fundamental rights of citizens and operate within the extant laws, rules and regulations guiding the conduct of the exercise.

The command has deployed 4,202 officers and men to for today’s election.

The commissioner said the personnel would keep watch at all the 3, 245 polling units across the 13 local government areas in the state.

He said the police and other sister agencies would be at collation centers and other areas in order to stop any crisis.

He noted that security agencies would diligently enforce restriction of movement order during the exercise while appealing to motorists to stay off the roads.