Huhuonline.com understands that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uncovered the theft of some Direct Data Capture Machines (DDCMs), Internal Hard Disks (HDDs) and computer batteries in the Central Store of its Lagos
State office.
Mr. Kayode Robert Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, in a statement, said: “A total of 9,450 DDCMs were allocated to Lagos State for the Voter Registration Exercise in January/February, this year. Out of the number, 1, 388 DDCMs have been discovered missing. A total of 2, 986 other DDCMs have their Internal Hard Disks stolen, while 644 DDCM batteries are missing”.
“Indications of the theft were first noticed on October 16, 2011, while the quantity of items involved was determined through an in-house audit concluded on October 24, 2011. Considering the volume, the theft might have taken place unnoticed over a slightly drawn-out period. The incident has been reported to security agencies for investigation and apprehension of the culprits, as well as possible recovery of the stolen items”.
“INEC is making this unfortunate incident public in line with its principle of transparency and resolve to be upfront with the public on issues pertaining to its operations. The Commission hereby allays all fears over the safety of data gathered with the stolen items, as these data remain secure in its data bank. The Hard Disks have secure back-ups. Besides, all the data have been integrated in the Lagos State INEC servers as well as the servers at the national level”.
“While investigations by the security agencies are on-going, the ICT-procuring public is urged to be on the lookout for computers, hard disks and batteries with imprints indicating that they could be stolen items being offered for sale”.
“The Commission hereby restates its profound appreciation of the understanding and patriotic support of all Nigerians”.
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