The Police Service Commission has urged security operatives to ensure the protection of the electorate, electoral officers and others before, during and after the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

The Commission urges security operatives who would be deployed for duties during the elections to maintain a high level of professionalism.

Its Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Argungu, disclosed this at the Election Security Management Symposium in Abuja.

Argungu demanded the highest level of professionalism from security operatives who will be providing security services during the off-season Governorship elections in the twin States of Edo and Ondo States holding in September and November this year.

According to him, the operatives, especially the Nigeria Police Force, the lead Agency in election security, must work to protect the lives and properties of citizens before, during and immediately after the elections.

The Police Commission Chairman, who delivered a keynote address, said the security Agencies must also ensure the safety of electoral Officers and other stakeholders.”

He said they should do necessary identification, surveillance and monitoring of all known possible subversive elements, terrorist groups, political dissidents, pressure groups and other criminal elements.

Argungu also noted that the security personnel should, as a matter of national importance, maintain peaceful conditions, and law and order around the Polling and collation centres.

He said the staff of the Commission will continue to carry out oversight functions on Policemen on election duties to protect the integrity of the elections.

This is contained in a statement by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani.