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I-G orders policemen nationwide to be neutral during campaigns
I-G orders policemen nationwide to be neutral during campaigns
Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, has directed all police personnel in the country to be neutral in all processes for the 2023 general elections.
Baba gave the directive on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of a conference for Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above.
He also directed them to always be alert during security deployments for the elections and exhibit high degree of professionalism and fairness in dealings with all political parties.
“We are also expected to adopt a professional orientation that emphasises democratic values and respect for human rights and dignity,” he added.
Baba reminded all police personnel that their mandate was to protect the electorates against illegal acts and discharge policing duties without discrimination.
“As critical actors in the electoral process, the credibility of the 2023 general election will be measured by the extent to which we abide by professional and legal standards.
“It will also be measured by our decisions and actions as we interface with political parties in emplacing appropriate machineries to guarantee a peaceful electioneering campaign process.
“We must leave no citizen in doubt of our commitment to national peace and security, as well as our determination to advance the democratic and national security interests of the country,” he said.
The I-G called on the conference participants to familiarise themselves with the Electoral Act and Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Security Personnel on electoral duties.
Baba urged the officers to situate their decisions and actions within the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Code, as well as other obligations contained in the Constitution, Nigeria Police Act, and other extant laws.
“All quasi-security outfits that were established by the various state governments and local communities, operating under different nomenclatures, structures and orientations have no legal roles in the Electoral Act 2020.
“Hence, you are charged to ensure that they are not in any way or manner utilised by any political or community actor for any role during the electioneering campaign and other electoral processes.
“Such will amount to acts in illegality and a potent threat to national security which could be inimical to our nation’s democratic interest,” he added.
Baba ordered CPs across the 36 states and FCT to liaise with Resident Electoral Commissioners and political party leaderships in their various states to come up with campaign timetables.
He said the idea was to address possible conflicts both in date, time, and venues during campaigns.
“Political Parties campaign timetable for each State should be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge Operations for collation.
“The comprehensive layout of the timetable must be forwarded to the office of the I-G, not later than Sept. 27.
“You must also submit your Election Security Action Plan that will detail your deployment plans for the security of all the venues of the political campaigns as they affect your commands,” he said.
The I-G called on political actors to subsume their campaigns within extant legal frameworks, avoid actions or speeches that could inflame the political order and cooperate with the Police to ensure peaceful electioneering process.
He warned individuals whose perception of democracy was the application of violence to have a rethink, adding that the Police was committed to dealing firmly with such characters within the dictates of the law.
I-G orders policemen nationwide to be neutral during campaigns
Suspected cultists kill 12 in attack on Jos community, Plateau govt imposes curfew
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected cultists on Sunday night attacked Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving 12 persons dead, in a fresh outbreak of violence that has prompted authorities to impose a 48-hour curfew in the area.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. when residents of the community came under sporadic gunfire from unidentified armed men, suspected to be cultists, who stormed the area and shot indiscriminately.
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), were immediately mobilised to the scene following a distress call and moved to restore order and prevent further escalation.
A security report indicated that 12 persons were confirmed dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were said to have been evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The troops subsequently cordoned off major access routes to the community and ordered residents to remain indoors while a coordinated search operation was launched to track down the attackers.
Military sources added that clearance operations were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further breakdown of law and order in the area.
In response to the attack, the Plateau State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, announced the imposition of a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area with immediate effect.
The curfew, which took effect from midnight of March 29 to April 1, 2026, was aimed at restoring calm and enabling security agencies to carry out intensified operations.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked.”
The statement assured residents that security agencies had been directed to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, while urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Security patrols were still ongoing across affected communities as authorities moved to forestall possible reprisal attacks and restore normalcy.
Suspected cultists kill 12 in attack on Jos community, Plateau govt imposes curfew
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Damboa LGA of Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Azir community, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Malama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on March 28 by troops of 25 Brigade and 19 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed at a Forward Operating Base in Azir.
The source disclosed that the suspect was alleged to have been involved in kidnapping activities within the Damboa and Azir general areas.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed to be a cattle courier operating within Damboa and its environs,” the source said.
He added that one bicycle was recovered from the suspect at the point of arrest.
The suspect and the recovered item are currently in troops’ custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Damboa LGA of Borno
Troops arrest 58 illegal miners in Edo state
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested 58 suspected illegal miners at an illegal gold mining site in Ososo general area, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
A security source disclosed that the suspects were apprehended at about 1:00 p.m. on March 28 during a fighting patrol conducted by troops of 195 Battalion (Rear).
According to the source, the troops stormed the mining site and arrested the suspects without resistance.
“The suspects are currently in troops’ custody for further action,” the source said.
He noted that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining activities and other criminal enterprises within Edo State and its environs.
Troops arrest 58 illegal miners in Edo state
Suspected cultists kill 12 in attack on Jos community, Plateau govt imposes curfew
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Damboa LGA of Borno
Troops arrest 58 illegal miners in Edo state
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