On election day, police will lead the security operation – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission says the police will conduct security operations on election day, not the military.

At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, said this.

Yakubu said police are responsible for monitoring polling units and coordinating other security agencies.

He said the military would only be allowed in the outer periphery and if necessary, the police could ask for help.

The INEC boss said , “The military will not be involved in the polling units, they will not be involved in the immediate inner parts. But depending on the invitation they receive from the police , they may play a role assigned them by the lead agency in election security which is the Nigerian police .

“ So , INEC works with the police as the lead security agency but based on the assessment of threat and the assistance the police require , they can also call on other agencies including the military . ”