Nigerian Police Chief Orders 1,000 Ondo Officers to Lagos for Local Elections
Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has deployed 1,000 officers from Ondo State to Lagos for upcoming local government elections. The controversial directive also requires Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to pay N39,000 each for transportation costs.
An official police wireless message dated July 9, 2025, reveals the deployment order. The Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations in Akure, signed the directive on behalf of the IGP. The deployment aims to strengthen security arrangements for Lagos local government elections.
The N39,000 transportation fee demand has sparked concern among police ranks. Each DPO must reportedly contribute this amount to facilitate the officer transfers from Ondo to Lagos State. This financial requirement adds controversy to the large-scale deployment.
The 1,000-officer deployment represents a significant security reinforcement for Lagos elections. Police authorities cite the need for adequate security coverage during the electoral process. The move follows standard practice of deploying officers across state boundaries for major elections.
The timing of the July 9 directive suggests imminent local government elections in Lagos State. Cross-state police deployments commonly occur during Nigerian elections to ensure neutral security coverage. However, the financial burden placed on DPOs raises questions about funding mechanisms for such operations.
The deployment underscores the federal government’s commitment to securing electoral processes across Nigeria’s states.
