Ahead of the 2019 general elections, a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has stressed the need for the Nigeria Police to provide the enabling  security environment for a hitch free polls.

The delegation, led by Mr Mohammed Konte, on a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, said ECOWAS will play its role to ensure free and fair polls.

Konte, told the IGP, that they were at the police force headquarters on a fact finding mission on the readiness of the police for the upcoming elections, even as he commended the police on its efforts at achieving and sustaining peace in the country.

Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, who made this known in a statement, said: “The Inspector General of Police welcomed the ECOWAS delegation and express his delight to have them at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters.

He also acquainted the delegation with the administration of the force, the strength and spread of the Nigeria Police Force across the country.

“The IGP equally briefed the delegation on the readiness of the police to ensure a secure environment for a free and fair 2019 general elections in the country.

“In his remarks, the leader of the ECOWAS delegation, Konte, lauded the frantic efforts and giant strides achieved by the police in sustaining peace in Nigeria. While making further comments during the visit, Konte stressed the importance of election security and the utmost need for a peaceful 2019 General Elections in Nigeria, assuring that ECOWAS will play its roles to ensure that this is achieved.

“In his final remarks, the IGP thanked the ECOWAS delegation for the visit and their supports to the Nigeria Police Force. He assured them that the Force would not relent in ensuring that peace reign supreme in Nigeria, and the election security achievements recorded in the States Governorship Elections held recently in some part of the Country are improved upon in the upcoming 2019 General Election”.