By Chinedum Elekwachi
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reassured of the Police Force’s readiness to deliver a peaceful, credible and secure governorship election on Saturday in Anambra State.
He gave the assurance in Awka during the Peace Accord signing ceremony organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC).
The IGP was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), Ben Okolo.
He restated that the Police, alongside other security agencies, would remain neutral, professional and firm throughout the entire process.
IGP Egbetokun declared that security operatives will shut down non-state actors, militancy, electoral criminality, intimidation and any attempt to undermine the process.
He reiterated police resolve to create an atmosphere of absolute security, fairness and public confidence for the exercise.”
According to Egbetokun, the Police have developed an integrated, intelligence-driven operational plan to prevent infractions.
“The force is ready to neutralize threats and secure the entire process from the beginning to the end.”
He assured that the Force would exercise its statutory responsibility with zero compromise.
“We fully recognise our responsibility under Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020. Our operations in Anambra State are a direct, lawful and uncompromising implementation of that constitutional mandate. Our mission is clear: to defend the law, preserve peace and uphold the sovereign will of the people.”
He acknowledged the sensitivity of elections in Anambra, describing the environment as politically dynamic, socially complex and security-sensitive.
Egbetokun said their allegiance is not to political party or candidate but the Constitution and sovereign will of the people.
He maintained that officers deployed would be firm yet civil. “The Force shall remain neutral yet assertive; civil yet firm; professional yet unyielding.
Under no circumstance will criminality be permitted to masquerade as political expression,” he warned.
Structure of deployment
Egbetokun said a strong, multi-layered deployment plan has been activated under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
This is to ensure presence, deterrence and quick response across all 21 LGAs. Officers and men have been deployed to cover all 4,608 polling units.
He noted that the Armed Forces would contribute personnel, stationed as tactical reserves to respond quickly to any large-scale breach.
NSCDC, FRSC, NIS, NDLEA and others will also secure critical infrastructure, collation centres, electoral materials and major access routes.
“Every formation, patrol team and operational asset is integrated into a central command framework for real-time communication and immediate intervention.
“The emphasis is on prevention before reaction,” he noted.
He said the responsibility for election security is constitutionally assigned to the Federal Government through recognised federal security agencies.
Ban on quasi-security outfits
He announced a total proscription on the activities or assembly of any non-state or state-controlled quasi-security formation during the election.
He specifically mentioned the so-called Ebube Agu and other unauthorized vigilante groups.
“Nigeria Police Force remains particularly alert to the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Intelligence reports indicate that these elements are making attempts to impose unlawful restrictions, enforce sit-at-home orders and create fear among residents to disrupt the electoral process.”
“No group has the authority to dictate movement, obstruct lawful voting, or undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria.”
He said any such attempt would draw “an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response.”
“The Nigerian State will respond firmly, lawfully and conclusively. The peace of Anambra shall not be negotiated.”
He said anyone bearing arms or performing security duties outside recognized federal agencies would be arrested, neutralized and prosecuted.
Zero tolerance for electoral offences
According to the IGP, a Zero-Tolerance Enforcement Protocol has been activated.
“Electoral offences will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct.
“Offences such as ballot snatching, vote-buying, thuggery or voter intimidation are felonies.
“Officers are under strict instruction to effect immediate arrests and ensure diligent prosecution through the Electoral Offences Desks.”
Specialized Cybercrime Units are also deployed to monitor and counter digital misinformation and fake news designed to disrupt the process.
“Those who weaponize misinformation to incite violence will be traced, apprehended, and prosecuted,” he warned.
Restrictions of VIP movement
“No political appointee, candidate or VIP is permitted to move with armed escorts or security aides to polling or collation centres.”
He added that only accredited INEC officials, observers and journalists will be allowed to move freely between designated areas. Political party agents and security personnel must remain in their designated areas.
He charged political actors to conduct themselves responsibly. “To all political parties, candidates and campaign managers: the responsibility for peace rests heavily upon you.
Campaign with honour, persuade rather than provoke; and remember that power attained through violence is illegitimate and unsustainable.”
He equally appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and community heads to dissuade youths from being used for violence.
“Your moral authority remains vital,” he said. “Use it to strengthen community vigilance against divisive rhetoric.”
