By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible governorship election in Anambra State on Saturday, November 8.
Egbetokun, who gave the assurance during a meeting with officers and men of the force in the state capital, Awka, directed all personnel deployed for the election to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.
Represented by Ben Okolo, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Intelligence Bureau, the IGP stressed that the neutrality of security agencies is essential to guaranteeing a credible electoral process.
“The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in election security are apolitical institutions. Our allegiance is not to any political party, candidate, or ideology, but solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Egbetokun said.
“We shall remain neutral yet assertive, civil yet firm, professional yet unyielding in the discharge of our duties during the process,” he added.
The IGP announced that the Force had activated a zero-tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and other relevant laws.
He warned that electoral offences such as ballot snatching, vote buying, thuggery, or voter intimidation would be treated as criminal acts threatening national security.
“Officers are under strict instructions to effect immediate arrest based on prima facie evidence and ensure diligent prosecution,” he stated.
To promote accountability, the IGP said that the Special Cybercrime Unit had been deployed to monitor police conduct during the election.
“You are being watched and will be held accountable for your actions,” he cautioned, urging officers to uphold the integrity of the force.
The IGP also commended officers serving in Anambra for their efforts in maintaining peace in the state and urged them to sustain professionalism throughout the electoral period.
Aerial Surveillance and Tactical Deployment
As part of the comprehensive security plan for the poll, helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance have arrived in the state ahead of Saturday’s election.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the aerial assets and advanced tactical teams were deployed from Force Headquarters to reinforce existing security architecture across Anambra’s 21 local government areas.
The deployment, approved by the IGP, is designed to strengthen local formations with additional manpower, technical equipment, and rapid-response capabilities.
Receiving the tactical teams in Awka, Anambra State, Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed appreciation to the IGP for the sustained logistical and operational support.
“The deployment of helicopters and surveillance drones will enable real-time monitoring of key locations, border communities, and flashpoints, while ground teams will sustain robust patrols and checkpoint operations across the state,” Orutugu said.
He assured residents of the Command’s readiness to collaborate with other security agencies to maintain peace and order throughout the electoral process.
Orutugu also urged residents to remain calm and cooperative with security personnel, and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 07039194332 or 08039334002.
“Our goal is to provide a secure environment where every law-abiding citizen can freely exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation,” he concluded.