By DEBORAH AKPEDE

Mr Olohundare Jimoh, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Command, has warned Nigerians against ballot snatching during the 2027 general elections.

Jimoh gave the warning on Wednesday during a sensitisation lecture for stakeholders on the dangers of electoral violence.

The event was held at the command headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, as part of activities marking National Police Day 2026.

He said ballot snatching remained a serious criminal offence and urged Nigerians to shun electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The AIG said any act capable of undermining the electoral process, including ballot snatching, intimidation and violence, would not be tolerated, adding that perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.

“Ballot snatching is one of the most destructive forms of electoral malpractice. It undermines the credibility of elections, disenfranchises voters and can incite violence. It is a serious criminal offence,” he said.

Jimoh said there was a need for collective responsibility in ensuring peaceful elections, noting that the police could not achieve this alone without the public’s support and cooperation.

According to him, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening community partnerships, as the public plays a critical role in maintaining law and order.

“Part of our policing mantra is that the public are our bosses. We are here to serve you and to work with you to ensure safety and security,” he said.

On election security, Jimoh said the police, as the lead agency, would continue to work with other security organisations under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure credible polls.

He disclosed that proactive measures such as threat assessments, intelligence-led policing and strategic deployment of personnel would be adopted to prevent electoral offences.

According to him, police officers will be appropriately stationed around polling units to maintain order and respond swiftly to any incidents.

He commended residents of Lagos and Ogun for their peaceful conduct during previous elections.

He said the last local government elections in Lagos recorded no cases of ballot snatching or electoral violence.

“We want you to sustain this level of compliance with the law. The peaceful conduct recorded during previous elections is commendable and should be maintained,” Jimoh said.

He urged citizens to report suspicious activities, obey electoral laws and refrain from acts that could disrupt the peace before, during and after the elections.

The AIG also advised political actors to engage in issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of inciting violence, while encouraging aggrieved parties to seek legal means of redress.

“Democracy thrives in a peaceful environment. We must all play our part to ensure free, fair and credible elections,” he said. (NAN)

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