DIG Frank Mba, in charge of the police contingent for Edo governorship election, says the state command has raided black spots ahead of the September 21 governorship election.

Mr Mba said this at a news briefing on Wednesday in Benin, shortly after addressing the police personnel deployed for the poll.

He said that the raid was carried out by the command with the support of visiting officers and that some miscreants were being detained.

According to him, the exercise became necessary to rid the state of miscreants and ensure a hitch-free election.

Mr Mba said the IGP had deployed adequately for the election, adding that they would work with other sister security agencies to provide security during the election.

“As the IGP has already briefed Nigerians, the police will be deploying adequately for the Edo election.

“What we have done today is to hold a meeting with the strategic commanders, DPOs, Area Commanders, Deputy Commissioners of Police and Commissioner of Police, who are saddled with the task of providing leadership and supervision at the various levels.

“Our task is to provide a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of a free, fair and credible election.

“We are working with sister agencies as we cannot work in isolation.

“The state shares border with Kogi, Delta, Ondo and Anambra, so the security will be adequately done.

“The Army will man these border areas that are far away while the Navy will also provide security on the waterways.

“Other security organisations will also work with us during the election,” the police chief said.

He also said that the police had provided a dedicated phone line – 07025000383 for the public to report any breach of the peace.

“This phone number will be with me, and if, for operational reasons, it is not with me, it will be with my personal assistant.

“The state command, as supported by visiting officers, has been conducting very specialised operations.

“They have been conducting raids at known criminal hideouts.

“Most of the raids they have are target-oriented and intelligence-driven, and they are targeted at isolating criminal elements in the state while some have been detained.

“The raid continues as we are ready to provide adequate security during this election,” Mr Mba said.

(NAN)