The Sierra Leone Police said it had put measures in place to provide adequate security for all voters during the general elections scheduled for Wednesday.
The Head of Media and Public Relations Officer of Sierra Leone Police, Superintendent Ibrahim Samura, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja.
Samura said no fewer than 13,000 police officers would be involved in providing the requisite security for peaceful conduct of the general elections.
“We have started deploying our personnel to the various polling centres and polling stations across the country.
“We have activated a toll free line which is 112; we receive something like 40 calls at a go and we will be in better position to respond to those 40 calls at a go.
“We have also ensured that adequate training is provided for our personnel.
“At the senior cadre, our personnel have undergone the strategic command training, that is, gold, silver and bronze command training to be specific and generally we have undergone election specific security training.
“We are now in a better position to provide adequate security for the people of this country before, during and after the elections.’’
Samura said no fewer than 13,000 police officers would be involved in providing the requisite security for peaceful conduct of the general elections.
Samura said that the Police had conducted threat analysis and estimates ahead of the elections and expected the election to be peaceful.
He said that the force had identified some political hot spots and put in place stringent measures to combat any eventuality.
Samura said that the agency had partnered with some members of the communities, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and sensitized the people against violence and acrimony.
“We believe in collaborative policing and we believe that providing security does not only rest on the shoulders of the police but on all and sundry.’’
He explained that the police was looking into isolated incidences of people being targeted in some parts of the country.
“There have been some isolated skirmishes though and they are not good for peaceful conduct of the elections; these skirmishes are being addressed accordingly.’’
Samura also advised Sierra Leoneans to be peaceful and put the interest of the country above individual interest.
“As Sierra Leoneans, we must respect one another, love one another and embrace one another irrespective of political difference; let us enjoin political tolerance.
“No political party is bigger than Sierra Leone; we must endeavour to put the interest of Sierra Leone above individual interest.
“As a security entity or as custodian of internal security, we will be neutral, we will be apolitical.
“We will not be partisan or give any form of competitive advantage to any of the political parties in this country.’’
Samura gave the assurance that the Sierra Leone Police would provide water-tight security and would be professional in the discharge of its duties.
He also warned that any individual or party supporter found in contravention of the electoral laws would be held responsible for such offence and not the party.