Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, a combined team of security forces on Monday commenced “operation show of force” in Akwa Ibom State.
The Security forces involved in the operation were the Nigeria Police, the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Immigration, Federal Road Safety Corp, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Civil Defence.
The exercise is meant to be carried out across the local government areas of the state, especially the volatile areas where election thuggery, arson and other forms of electoral malpractices hold sway.
Addressing the officers and men of the force at the Mopol base along Idoro road Uyo, the state capital, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi said the essence of the exercise was to reassure the electorates of their readiness in providing security for them before, during and after the forthcoming elections in the state.
Pledging his neutrality and fairness to all the political parties and the candidates, the Commissioner encouraged the people to come out en masse and vote for any candidate of their choice.
Durosinmi warned hoodlums or those planning to disrupt the election to be law abiding, noting that failure to do so would not be favourable to them.
The Commissioner said operatives would deal decisively with anyone involved in political thuggery, arson and other electoral offences in the state.
His words, “we want to tell Akwa Ibomites that we are ready for the 2023 elections and that their security is guaranteed. We remain apolitical and neutral to all the candidates
“You can see the detachment of several security agencies, that is to show you that there will be watertight security. We have been able to crime mark the state and keep the felons at bay.
“We want to use this opportunity to tell the hoodlums that we are ready for them; it’s either they relocate or become law abiding citizens as we are ready to take them headlong should they attempt to threaten the security in the state.”