Police authorities have warned state governments against deployment of the South East Security Network, codenames Ebubeagu during the oncoming general elections.
Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba, who reiterated this on Tuesday, said that over 25 Ebubeagu operatives are remanded in Abakaliki correctional centre for various offences.
Aliyu spoke during a joint security meeting with the leadership of various political parties, and security chiefs, at the police headquarters, Abakaliki over the increasing politically motivated violence in the state, which has claimed several lives in recent times.
The Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba had before now declared that the Ebubeagu operatives have no role to play in the elections, and as such, should not participate in electoral activities.
The Commissioner tasked the chairmen of the 13 local government areas of the state to desist from engaging Ebubeagu operatives in the activities of the forthcoming general election in the state.
He also warned against the recruitment of thugs by politicians to cause crisis during the election period in the state stressing that such will not be tolerated.
He vowed to arrest and prosecute any offenders who violated the electoral process.
He warned: “Therefore, no LG chairman or political party stakeholders should engage the Ebubeagu [or] bear arms of whatever calibre for whatsoever reason, as Ebubeagu are not created for their political aggrandizement [but] rather are to strengthen the security of the State as non-state actors.
“Therefore anyone found wanting will be dealt with accordingly. As such, the LG Chairmen and all political stakeholders including aspirants are hereby warned and reminded that no one is above the law and anyone who goes contrary to the provision of the extant laws shall be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”
