Chinedum Elekwachi
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command has arrested five suspected illegal private security operatives in Awka the state capital.
State Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde disclosed this on Tuesday while parading the suspects at the State Command Headquarters, Awka.
He said the suspects were apprehended during series of raids conducted by operatives of the Command.
According to him, a pump action rifle was recovered during the operation targeted at riding the State of individuals masquerading as private security operatives.
Maku added that the arrested suspects are currently being interrogated and would be charged after investigation.
He said, “The raids conducted in Awka on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at about 11: 00 hrs was based on credible intelligence indicating the presence of individuals dressed in attire resembling that of a security outfit, who may have been hired by political actors with the intention of utilizing them to cause chaos during the election.
“The arrested suspects include: Mmeka Ekene, male, aged 43; Peter Detuchi Kelvin, male, aged 28; Sunday Akpan Idiong, male, aged 45; Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu, male, aged 26; and Francis Ugochukwu Nwosu, male, aged 28.
Private Guard Company Department
“The operation, carried out by the Private Guard Companies Department, was aimed at curbing security threats, illegal possession of firearms, and preventing any form of violence or intimidation likely to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
“We are resolute in our commitment to providing a secure environment for the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election, slated for November 8, 2025.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Anambra State remains peaceful and secure.”
While reassuring the Command’s readiness not to be swayed by tactics of individuals pretending to be private security operatives in a bid to disrupt the electoral process in the state, Maku pledged continued enhancement of the Command’s robust security measures to stay ahead of individuals suspected of being used as political thugs.
“The Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will take all necessary measures within its operational guidelines to counter and suppress any act that could potentially destabilize the peace enjoyed in the state.
“Strengthened surveillance and enhanced intelligence gathering have been implemented by the Command to thwart any attempts by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to compromise the electoral process,” he added.
