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Molly Kilete
The Armed Forces is on red alert, to foil possible post-election violence that may erupt as a result of the February 23, presidential and National Assembly elections across the country.
Also on standby is the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services and the various security and para-military agencies in the country.
This was just as Daily Sun gathered that the Service Chiefs and the inspector General of Police have been directed to remain in their respective headquarters throughout the election period and monitor the security situation in the country; and be ready to deploy at very short notice.
To this end, most military personnel would wear the duty dress (camouflage), throughout this period.
It was also learnt that intelligence reports expressed worry over possible breakdown of law and order in some states, which have been labeled “hot zones”.
Military and police sources told Daily Sun, yesterday, that “commanders and heads of military units, as well as commissioners of police have been directed to be on standby and deploy at the shortest possible time in the event of any unrest caused by the outcome of elections in their areas of responsibilities.
“The various military service headquarters and the police have been evaluating the performance of their personnel during the elections and the problems they encountered ,with a view to improving in the upcoming elections schedule for March, 9.”
A security source said most of the personnel deployed for the presidential and National Assembly elections would be replaced with new set of personnel for the next round of elections.
The Nigerian Army had raised the alarm over possible breakdown of law and order after the general election; following intelligence it said it obtained.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, who raised the alarm at a meeting on February 20, with Principal Staff Officers, General Officers Commanding, directors and commanders in Abuja, hinted that the army would adopt a proactive approach that may give room for post-election violence, in order to ensure such incidence do not occur in the country, again.
The army chief electoral thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes, illegal possession of election materials as some of the causes for post-election violence and mayhem.
“Such actions can also become more damaging when they are widespread, leading to destruction of lives and properties,” he said.
