The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has said that politicians with criminal records would be stopped from contesting the 2015 general election.

Mr. Abba, in his maiden meeting with Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and other senior officers in Abuja on Wednesday, said the force would collaborate with other security agencies to achieve the goal.

“During screening of candidates, we will collaborate with our colleagues, particularly the Department of State Services, to ensure that candidates with criminal records are not allowed to contest the election,” he said.

Fielding questions from journalists before the meeting went into a closed-door session, Mr. Abba said the force was poised to provide adequate security for the elections.

“We have made adequate arrangements to make sure that the police provide sufficient security for all the activities leading to the election and election.

“These activities have started and they include the registration of voters, primaries, conventions and the campaigns by all the political parties and candidates.

“In all these activities, the police will ensure that adequate security is provided for those involved, including the INEC and party officials,” he said.

Mr. Abba said the police are playing a role in the ongoing counter-terrorism operation.

“The police, who are in charge of internal security, cannot be relegated to the background though the military is present in all the states of the federation.

“They are performing their responsibility in support of the civil authority, the police.

“The states where they are more visible are the areas where their support is most needed,” he said, and added that the police were more visible in internal security.

Mr. Abba said one of 20 personnel said to be still missing in the attack on Police College in Gwoza, resurfaced on Monday and gave an assurance that others would soon be located.

NAN