Nigeria, Feb. 19 -- The Presidency has reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari's comment that anyone who dares to snatch ballot boxes during next weekend's elections will be doing this for the last time.

It said Mr Buhari's comments should be seen as a strong message against the long history of "savagery associated with elections in the country."

Speaking Monday, Mr Buhari had delivered a blunt warning that, "Anybody who decides to snatch boxes or lead thugs to disturb the election, maybe that would be the last unlawful action you would take.

He added, "I have given the military and police the order to be ruthless. I am going to warn anybody who thinks he would lead a body of thugs in his locality to snatch boxes or to disturb the voting...