Polls: CP tasks personnel on human rights-compliant policing

The Police Command in Kogi has enjoined officers and men to be professional and human rights-compliant in the discharge of their duties during Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections.

The instruction was given by Yekini Ayoku, the Commissioner of Police (CP) deployed to oversee election security in the state.

Ayoku issued the instruction when he addressed police tactical and operational commanders in the state on Wednesday in Lokoja.

In a statement issued by the Command’s image maker, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, the CP warned that unprofessional conduct by any personnel would be properly sanctioned.

“You should know that residents of Kogi and the international community are watching you, therefore ensure that your conduct is guided by extant laws, rules and regulations, as well as standard norms and practices.

“I expect all Area Commanders, Tactical and Operational Commanders, Divisional Police Officers as well as other supervisory officers to enhance National Security and democracy through quality, civil-oriented and human rights-compliant policing.”

Ayoku charged the personnel to work in synergy with other security agencies to provide adequate security during the elections.

He urged people of Kogi to come out and exercise their franchise without fear.

“Adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible 2023 general election not only in Kogi, but all over the country,” Ayoku added.

According to him, the elections are vital to the the nation’s unity, progress and development, hence the utmost importance placed on security.