The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, AIG Adenrele Shinaba has warned the officers and men in his Zone to stick to their security business and avoid being used by politicians so that their actions will not provoke violence during and after the forthcoming elections.

The AIG who gave the charge yesterday in Jos while on a maiden visit to the Plateau State Command of the Force also cautioned the staffers against giving assistance to electorates which is not in tandem with their line of duties.

Addressing the officers and men at the Police headquarters in Jos, the AIG said, “Elections are around the corner, we owe this responsibility to the nation to get it right. Every security outfit has a role to play but the Police is the lead agent in election matters. “We have a lot to do to get it right. Know what is expected of you at the Polling stations, officers should be briefed before they are redeployed. Don’t help people to thumb print, face security issues, avoid doing things that will provoke violence.

“Secure yourself first and guard the ballot boxes and don’t allow thugs to tamper with them. Avoid bribery because politicians will use and dump you. Be vigilant and guard against post-election violence so that we will not be taken unaware like in 2011.”

He however urged staff of the Command not to take things for granted but improve themselves and be friendly with community members so that they can volunteer information which will help in the discharge of their duties.

Earlier, the State Police Commissioner, Nasiru Oki told the AIG the State is calm apart from pockets of criminal activities but asked for improved equipment which will aid them in carrying out effective duties during and after the elections.

His words, “The security situation in Plateau state has improved but our communication system is bad, we are relying on GSM whose network can fail when a vital information needs to be relayed.

“We lack smokes, though we are not anticipating violence because we have talked to the people but we have to be prepared to combat any incident. Agile men can’t work without necessary and adequate equipment.”

Also, a Traffic Warden, ASP Raphael Akuta urged the AIG to look into the problems of his department as there are no personnel, uniform and equipment to carry out their duties effectively.