Demand Strategic Policing to Secure Border Communities
By Roundoffnews Reporter
Civil Society Organisations under the Election Observation Hub have raised the alarm over rising kidnapping threats in northern Ekiti, urging the Nigeria Police Force to immediately execute “Operation Order 08/2026” to secure border communities ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
The Election Observation Hub comprises CEMESO, ElectHER, International Press Centre, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre and Yiaga Africa.
The coalition, supported by the EU-SDGN II programme, identified Ikole, Moba and Ilejemeje LGAs as high-risk flashpoints prone to kidnapping and insecurity. Ado-Ekiti was also classified as vulnerable to urban violence during the polls.
The warning was contained in a Pre-Election Assessment Report presented at a Civil Society Media Briefing in Ado-Ekiti on Monday. The report was read by Dr. Akin Akingbulu and Brenda Anugwom.
“Security is the backbone of credible elections. The prevailing calm must not be mistaken for a healthy democratic environment,” the CSOs warned.
The report flagged vote buying driven by economic hardship, deployment of political thugs, disinformation on WhatsApp and local radio, and fears of excessive militarisation as major threats to the poll.
To counter this, the CSOs said the Police had drafted “Operation Order 08/2026” which proposes deploying 9,780 conventional officers, 25 mobile police units, 200 patrol vehicles, 12 Armoured Personnel Carriers and 3 helicopters, with support from other security agencies.
But the groups cautioned against politicisation, bias and excessive use of force. They demanded intelligence-led, neutral and rights-based deployment, with special focus on Ikole, Moba and Ilejemeje border areas.
They also tasked INEC to release funds on time, stress-test BVAS and IReV, activate ISANS for rapid response, and improve access for PWDs and vulnerable voters.
Candidates and parties were urged to sign the Peace Accord, reject vote buying and thuggery, and settle internal disputes through courts and party institutions, not violence.
