By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Thursday, vowed to defend Nigerian democracy by all means possible.
The Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, made this vow during a joint press conference with spokespersons of the military, Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Service (DSS), on election security, at Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in Abuja.
This is even as the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), announced restrictions of vehicular movement on election day from the hours of 7am to 6pm on election day.
The Department of State Service (DSS), also disclosed that its personnel uncovered and intercepted arms and ammunition during an operation, across the federation.
Speaking during the press conference, the DDI, Brigadier General Gusau said that strong force will be applied to quell any attempt by subversive elements to disrupt the coming election.
He reiterated Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor’s assurance that the military and other security agencies are ready to provide adequate security that will enable the electorate to go out to exercise their franchise.
He added that the military and other security agencies have established a quick response centres in Federal Capital Territory Abuja, and the geopolitical zones to attend to distress calls, before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
Gen. Gusau also assured that elections will hold every where in Nigeria, urging electorates in the 774 local government areas in the country to discountenance threats from any quarter and go out to exercise their franchise.
He said that adequate measure has been put in place to ensure that election holds everywhere.
The Spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that those on essential duties like the journalists, fire service personnel, medical professionals, amongst others are exempted from the restriction order.
He also said, the use of siren and tinted classes is also prohibited during the electioneering process, while VIPs are also barred from moving around with security personnel.
He explained that only elected officials that enjoys constitutional immunity are allowed to move around with their ADCs and few other security agents.
He warned that any subversive elements who chose to test the resolve of the security agencies during the election by pulling a trigger may not live to see the end.
He said that the police will match force with force during the election.
The Spokesperson of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya told defence correspondent that the Service will be decisive in the implementation of its responsibilities and this will be done without let or hindrance.
“The DSS assures of its commitment to a peaceful exercise. It pledges its neutrality, professionalism and good conduct of its personnel to the democratic process. It will continue to discharge its mandate of disseminating timely, actionable and proactive intelligence necessary for tactical, operational and strategic decisions even beyond the elections. Also, it will partner with other sister security and law enforcement agencies; all levels and arms of Government and indeed all stakeholders particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations to ensure a hitch free electoral exercise,” Dr. Afunanya concluded.
