ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigerian police has ordered the distribution of additional anti-riot gear, including tear gas and stun guns, to help maintain law and order in the run-up to and during the February presidential elections, a police spokesman said on Monday.
Elections in Africa’s most populous country have been characterised by violence, leading to the death of political party supporters and police and electoral officials.
Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba ordered that police should be provided more kits and anti-riot equipment to upgrade their capabilities and provide “top-notch election security management for the 2023 general elections,” the spokesman said.
Nigerians will vote for a new president to succeed Muhammadu Buhari, who is to step down after serving the maximum two terms permitted by the constitution.
(Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Editing by Leslie Adler)
