The Nigerian Army has uncovered plans by suspected hired thugs to attack polling centres in some states in the Niger Delta.
A statement by Col. Aminu Iliyasu, spokesman of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, issued and made available to newsmen in Port Harcout disclosed this on Tuesday.
He however, did not reveal the states.
According to him, thugs believed to be working for some politicians had been armed to the teeth to disrupt the Feb. 23 and March 9 elections in some areas.
He said credible intelligence available to the division’s headquarters uncovered an evil plan by some political actors within the division’s area of responsibility to arm and sponsor miscreants.
The Division covers Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.
“This plan is in addition to using military-like fatigue dress for deception to cause pandemonium at polling stations for their political gain,” he said.
The division’s spokesman said further that a covert operation with sister security agencies had already been launched to track the thugs as well as locate the source of their weapons.
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“The division wishes to unequivocally state that anyone found to be disrupting the electoral process under any guise will be decisively dealt with.
“Such individuals will be dealt with in accordance with the laws no matter how highly placed he or she may be.
“The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, wishes to reassure the people of Niger Delta of adequate security in conjunction with other security agencies before, during and after the elections,” he said.
The army spokesman commended the people for their cooperation and assistance, urging them to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
