The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has responded to allegations made by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that their actions are in conformity with a subsisting Federal High Court order.
 The order, which bars the NPF from participating in the Rivers State elections, was duly served on both the NPF and the Rivers State Government.
According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the Inspector-General of Police instructed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to adhere to the court order and refrain from direct involvement in the election process.
However, on October 3, 2024, reports emerged that policemen from the Rivers State Government house were deployed to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) office to aid in the election.
In response, the Inspector-General of Police ordered the withdrawal of these policemen and their replacement with officers from the Command Operations department to provide overnight security for the RIEC office.
Adejobi emphasized that the policemen deployed to RIEC had the sole mandate to protect the office from attack overnight, citing prior security breaches in the state. The NPF takes exception to Governor Fubara’s accusations, advising caution and decency in pursuing individual political goals.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to protecting lives and properties and will work with other security agencies in Rivers State to ensure no breakdown of law and order,” Adejobi stated. “Threatening to shed blood and burn down the state because of a local government election is not acceptable to us.”
The Inspector-General of Police has ordered increased deployment to Rivers State to beef up security, and citizens are advised to go about their lawful businesses.