IGP Deploys 35,000 Police Officers for Edo Governorship Election, Suspends Quasi-Security Forces

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Wednesday that 35,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure security during the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. Additionally, 8,000 personnel from other security agencies, including the military and NSCDC, will support the police effort.

At a stakeholders’ meeting organized by INEC, Egbetokun confirmed that security aides for VIPs would be withdrawn to ensure neutrality.

He also stated that the activities of state-backed security groups like the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) remain suspended for the election.

Egbetokun emphasized the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order and warned against election-related offences.

He assured that all entry and exit points in the state would be manned, and movement restricted between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on election day.