The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned Nigerians on the use of pets, especially, dogs, at the polling units on election day as such act runs contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended.

Spokesperson of the NPF, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Tuesday, warned “those who intend to display their pets, dogs specifically, for whatever purpose, at the polling units, to desist as such constitutes a violation of the electoral Act, 2022, as amended, and other extant laws.”

“The provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act. 2022, explains clearly those actions exhibited by electorates that constitute electoral breaches and are punishable under the law, and paragraph (f) mentions possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers,” he said.

Mr Adejobi said that dogs could be classed as offensive weapons as their owners/handlers can use them to intimidate, harass and cause assault and bodily harm to others.

“The Dogs Act, CAP 55 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1958 as domesticated in various states, and other Criminal Laws in Nigeria are trite,” he added.

Some young Nigerians, having witnessed the electoral violence that marred the presidential and National Assembly elections in some states, have vowed to take dogs to polling units for Saturday’s election as a means of protection.