The police command in Ondo State has beefed up security ahead of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit and the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally scheduled for Wednesday in Akure.

The command said it had made adequate arrangements to ensure a peaceful, hitch-free visit by the vice president.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, gave the assurance in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Akure.

Mr Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had directed the deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations in the Akure metropolis.

He said the deployment comprised conventional police personnel, the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, intelligence operatives, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) personnel.

“The command is working in close collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination, intelligence sharing, traffic management and prompt response to any security concern.

“The command will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that the visit and associated activities are conducted in a peaceful, orderly and hitch-free atmosphere,” he said.

Mr Jimoh urged members of the public to be vigilant, refrain from spreading unverified information and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.

Similarly, Samuel Ibitoye, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) sector commander, said the corps had identified a smooth route for the vice president’s entourage, given the ongoing construction in the state capital.

Mr Ibitoye, who said the corps is working with other security agencies, said it carried out a route recce to identify where to block and divert traffic, as well as where to deploy personnel.

“We have a role to play, and our role is specifically for road traffic management and road traffic control during any visitation. We don’t participate in campaigns or piloting of the vehicles during this time,” he said.

Mr Ibitoye advised motorists to cooperate with traffic and security personnel, obey traffic regulations and exercise patience around designated routes and venues. 

(NAN)