DSS operatives

The Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services on Wednesday asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to shift the Edo State gubernatorial election scheduled for next Saturday, 10 September.

In a joint statement signed by spokesperson for the Nigerian Police Force, Don Awunah and one Garba Abdullahi for the DSS, the two security agencies said the call for shift in the date of the election was necessitated by intelligence reports indicating a plan 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.”

The two agencies added that “Edo State, is amongst the States being earmarked for these planned attacks by the extremist elements.”

While recalling that they had issued similar warning during celebrations in the past, the two agencies however did not indicate that the terrorists specifically planned to disrupt the election which will hold two days before the sallah celebrations.

“ 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,” the two security agencies said.

Don Awunah

Read the full statement below: 

“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.

“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 neighborhoods.”