Steer Clear Of Anambra Polls, Police Warn Militants

The Nigeria Police Force, has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN) or any other non state actor against any attempt to disrupt this Saturday’s Anambra governorship election.

The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun (IGP) gave this warning during the signing of peace accord by 16 the political parties participating in the polls in Awka on Monday.

Represented by Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Ben Okoro, the police boss declared any to disrupt the exercise “shall invite an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response.”
The IGP said the Nigeria Police had with precision targeted intelligence operations to identify, isolate and dismantle any network or individual floating acts of intimidation or violence during or after the election.
“Any person of group found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performing unauthorized security duties outside recognised federal agencies shall be treated as an armed non state actor.
“Such persons shall be swiftly neutralised, arrested and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the terrorism prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 this remains an operational red line that will be enforced without hesitation.

“The Nigerian police force has activated the zero tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure total compliance with the Electoral Act and related laws. Our professionalism will be matched by decisiveness, our exchange by precision. Electoral offenses will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct.

“Offences such as ballot snatching, vote buying voter intimidation, are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022 officers are under strict instruction to effect inmate arrest based on prima first year evidence And to ensure diligent prosecution through the electoral offenses desk already activated across the state, the objective is simple, to deter misconduct through swift and exemplary enforcement.

“In addition, specialised cyber crime units are deployed to monitor, trace and counter a digital misinformation, fake news and coordinated online propaganda aimed at destructing public peace or discrediting the process.

“Those who weaponise misinformation to incite violence will be traced, apprehended and prosecuted under the cyber crime, prohibition, prevention, etc, Act.

“The following Election Day protocols are binding and enforceable under federal law. One VIP movement, no political appointee, candidate of VIP is permitted to move with armed escorts or security aids to polling or coalition centers, two personnel mobility only accredited INEC officials, election observers and journalists may move freely between designated areas.

“Party agents and security personnel must remain within their signed jurisdictions. Three prohibited conduct, campaigning, partisan display or any act capable of causing provocation within the vicinity of polling units is prohibited.

“Possession of any weapon or instrument of intimidation will attract immediate arrest to all political parties, candidates and campaign managers, the responsibility for peace rests heavily upon you.

“The Nigerian police force will hold political leadership directly accountable for the conduct of their supporters. Campaign with honour, persuade rather than provoke. True violence is illegitimate and unsustainable to our traditional religious and communist leaders, your moral authority remains vital.

“Use it to dissuade our youth from being instruments of political violence and to strengthen community vigilance against divisive rhetorics.

“Finally, to the good people of Anambra state, the Nigerian police force stands before you as the shield of the Constitution,” he stated.

Speaking earlier, former Head of state and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar(rtd), reminded the candidates and their parties that the commitment to the peace accord “is not in words only but it is a duty that calls for discipline, honor and responsibility.”

Represented by a former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), he called on INEC to ensure that the election was credible, urging the security agencies to protect and not intimidate while urging the traditional institutions to ensure proper guidance.

“Leadership is not only in seeking of it, but in safeguarding peace and ensuring that there is no life is put at risk, To INEC, we urge continued transparency and readiness for the trust of the people rests greatly on your conduct.

“To the IGP and all security agencies, we appeal for professionalism, impartiality and calm, assurance.

“The purpose of security is to protect and not to intimidate. To our respected traditional rulers and religious leaders, we recognize your role as custodian of wisdom and unity, your voices of guidance will be needed to uphold peace within our communities.

“To the media, we appeal for reporting that inform and build understanding and not reporting that instil fear or division,” he added.

For his part, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Joash Amupitan also asked all political parties, candidates and their supporters to adhere strictly to the principles of the peace accord.

According to him, the commission is the commission was committed to conducting free fair and peaceful election.

“Let us work together to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and the pursuit of common goals.

“Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra state is a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.

“For our part, the Commission has taken deliberate steps to address operational challenges

and ensure a smooth, credible election across the state.

“We have extensively engaged our officials, transport providers, and security agencies to fine-tune deployment arrangements for 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 polling units, 326 Ward Collation Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and ultimately, the State Collation Centre in Awka.

“Voters should therefore expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics. Enhanced result management processes will also be evident,” Amupitan said.

He disclosed that INEC has approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the Anambra governorship election.

The INEC boss said to facilitate maximum participation, the commission extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) until Sunday, November 2, 2025.

“Our mandate is to deliver credible elections, and we reaffirm our resolve to combat vote-buying. Any individuals or groups planning to subvert the will of the people will be firmly confronted within the strong hands of the law.

“The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has instituted robust security measures for this election. The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is deploying 10,250 officers, alongside other agencies.

“With the peace accord being signed today, the proactive efforts of security agencies, and the valuable contributions of traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders, we are confident, by God’s grace, that the 2025 Anambra governorship election will be peaceful and successful,” he added.