By Frank Momoh
Though he did not disclose their names, the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, on Monday said two of its officers were killed
during the presidential and national assembly elections.
According to him, 323 offenders were arrested for various electoral offences also during the elections.
Adamu, made the disclosure during a post mortem analysis of the just concluded election with senior ranking officers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, side the meeting was called to address challenges thrown up by the election.
The meeting, he said was called to address three major issues: “First to debrief strategic police commanders and undertake a comprehensive evaluation of its performance during the presidential and national assembly elections.
The IG, said the meeting will perfect plans towards a successful governorship and state assembly elections scheduled for 9th March, while the third objective is to appreciate personnel of the Force across all ranks for their sacrifice, discipline, and exceptional professionalism which was demonstrated during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
On the performance of the police, he acknowledged the Force’s high sense of commitment to national duty, neutrality and courage which accounted for the generally peaceful conduct of the exercise as well as the credibility of the entire process as attested to by local and international observers.
He said: “In appreciating the sacrifice made towards the advancement of the democratic journey of our country, I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the families of officers and men who lost their lives during the exercise and I also sympathize with those who were injured or assaulted.
“For those arrested for various electoral infractions, I have directed the Special Electoral Offences Team of the Force to under investigations into all the cases with a view to liaising with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in ensuring their prosecution.
He reassured the international community of the unwavering commitment of the Police to work closely with INEC and sister security agencies towards guaranteeing a peaceful and secure space for Nigerians to exercise their electoral franchise.