The Department of state services and the Nigeria Police Force have explained why they called for the postponement of election in Edo state, the agencies said that the postponement was to allow security agencies check threat posed by terrorists and extremists.
Addressing a joint press conference at the DSS headquarters in Abuja Wednesday the spokesman of the police force, Don Awunah said the two agencies gave credible intelligence that terrorists and extremists plan to carry out attacks between the 12th and 13th of September. Below is the joint statement by the SSS and the police on the matter.
JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY THE NIGERIA POLICE/ DEPARTMENT OF STATE SERVICES
The Nigeria Police and Department of State Services wish to inform the general public that credible intelligence availed the agencies indicate plans by insurgent/extremist elements to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets with high population during the forthcoming Sallah celebrations between 12th and 13th September, 2016.
Edo State, is amongst the States being earmarked for these planned attacks by the extremist elements. From left, Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Don Awunah and Mr Garba Abdullahi of Department of State Services addressing pressmen in Abuja on the credible intelligence availed the agencies of plans by insurgent/extremist element to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets with high population during Sallah celebrations between 12th and 13th September, 2016 and the need to postpone Edo State Election at the weekend. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.
The public would recall that similar threats were issued during the May Labour Day and Democracy Day celebrations as well as the Ed-el-fitr holidays in July, 2016. However, the security agencies were able to decisively disrupt and thwart the insurgents’ plan. In the same vein, while election is important, the security agencies cannot allow the peace of the country to be disrupted, and we will continue to remain vigilant and ensure consolidation of the successes gained in the current counter-insurgency fight.
It is in regard of these that we are appealing to INEC which has the legal duty to regulate elections in the country to consider the need for possible postponement of the date of the election in Edo State in order to enable security agencies deal decisively with the envisaged terrorist threats. While the Police/DSS remain mindful of the inconveniences this request may cause the various political stakeholders, it is our strong resolve that security agencies need not be distracted from ensuring a peaceful and secured Nigeria now and always.
Members of the public are hereby assured that the security agencies will continue to remain focused and committed and are being enjoined to remain vigilant. The attention of the Security Agencies should be drawn to any observed unusual movements or actions by groups or individuals in their neighbourhoods. DCP DON AWUNAH, fsi (Force Public Relations Officer) – Nigeria Police Force GARBA ABDULLAHI – State Security Service
