By Nkechi Eze
In a decisive declaration of readiness ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure absolute peace, neutrality, and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
Speaking on Monday at the signing of the Peace Accord in Awka, IGP Egbetokun said the Force, as the lead agency for internal security and election management, is fully prepared to deliver a secure, transparent, and credible exercise. He emphasized that the Police remain loyal only to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the will of the people, not to any political party or candidate.
“The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies that would be taking part in the management of election security during this election 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 and the sovereign will of the Nigerian electorate,” the IGP declared.
He assured that any attempt to undermine public peace, manipulate the process, or intimidate voters would be met with swift, lawful, and proportionate force, stressing that “the peace of Anambra State is non-negotiable, and the integrity of this election will not be compromised.”
Outlining the Force’s Integrated Election Security Architecture, Egbetokun explained that a multi-layered deployment plan has been activated under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to guarantee presence, deterrence, and rapid response across all 21 Local Government Areas.
According to him, police personnel will be deployed to all 4,608 polling units to protect voters, election officials, and materials, while the Armed Forces of Nigeria will serve as tactical reserves positioned along inter-LGA boundaries to counter any large-scale security threat. Other agencies such as the NSCDC, FRSC, NIS, and NDLEA, he noted, will safeguard critical infrastructure, collation centres, and major access routes.
Egbetokun said the system is designed as a “force multiplier” that ensures real-time communication, intelligence sharing, and immediate intervention to prevent rather than merely respond to security breaches.
In a strong pronouncement, the IGP issued a total proscription on the activities of unauthorized security outfits, declaring that only federally recognized agencies are permitted to provide security during the election.
“The responsibility for election security is an exclusive preserve of the Federal Government and its recognized agencies. Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force hereby issues an immediate and total proscription on the activities, cooperation, or assembly of any non-state or state-controlled quasi-security formation during the election period. This includes, but is not limited to, the so-called Ebube Agu and other unauthorized vigilante outfits,” he warned.
Egbetokun specifically cautioned against any attempts by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to enforce sit-at-home orders or disrupt the process.
“Let it be clearly established that no group, armed or unarmed, overt or covert, has the authority to dictate movement, obstruct lawful voting, or undermine the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated. “Any attempt by IPOB, ESN, or any other non-state actor to interfere with the forthcoming election shall invite an immediate, coordinated, and overwhelming law enforcement response.”
He added that any person or group found bearing arms or performing unauthorized security duties would be treated as armed non-state actors, arrested, and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Reiterating his Zero-Tolerance Enforcement Protocol, the IGP said electoral offences such as ballot snatching, vote-buying, thuggery, or voter intimidation would attract immediate arrest and prosecution. Specialized Electoral Offences Desks have been activated across the state to ensure diligent prosecution.
Egbetokun further disclosed that specialized cybercrime units are monitoring digital misinformation and online propaganda aimed at discrediting the process, warning that “those who weaponize misinformation to incite violence will be traced, apprehended, and prosecuted under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.”
He also outlined Election Day restrictions, including the prohibition of VIP movement with armed escorts, limitation of mobility to accredited personnel, and a total ban on campaigning or provocative acts near polling units.
“To all political parties, candidates, and campaign managers, the responsibility for peace rests heavily upon you,” he cautioned. “Campaign with honour; persuade rather than provoke; and remember that power attained through violence is illegitimate and unsustainable.”
The Police Chief urged traditional, religious, and community leaders to use their influence to dissuade youths from political violence and strengthen community vigilance against divisive rhetoric.
Concluding his address, IGP Egbetokun assured the people of Anambra State of the Police’s resolve to protect their votes and voices.
“The Nigeria Police Force stands before you as the Shield of the Constitution,” he declared. “On 8th November 2025, exercise your right to vote freely and fearlessly. We shall protect your lives, your votes, and your voices. Our mission is clear: to defend the law, preserve peace, and uphold the sovereign will of the people. Order will be absolute.”
