The Nigerian Police Force has deployed Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle to lead election duties in Anambra State for the upcoming governorship election on November 8. This announcement was made by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press release.
According to Ikenga, CP Shogunle has assumed duty as the Commissioner of Police and will oversee policing in the state during the election. Upon taking office, Shogunle activated the Inspector General of Police’s Enforcement Protocol for anti-electoral offences, which aims to prevent ballot snatching, vote buying, political thuggery, and voter intimidation.
A central command framework has been established to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing, coordination, and rapid response. Over 60,000 security personnel from various agencies will be deployed to secure the 5,720 polling units, with tactical reserves positioned along inter-local government area and state boundaries, as well as at designated election collation centers.
Additionally, the Electoral Offences Desk has been strengthened to monitor social media and online spaces for cyber-related crimes, ensuring prompt investigation and prosecution. The policing operational strategy, approved by Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, aims to enhance strategic security planning and ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process in the state.
CP Shogunle has reiterated the total ban on all vigilante groups, such as Agunechemba, and other quasi-security groups in the state, as only federal government security agencies are authorized to provide election security duties. Furthermore, VIP movements with armed escorts or security aides at polling or collation centers are strictly prohibited, with violators facing immediate apprehension, withdrawal of such escorts, and prosecution.
Only designated Independent National Electoral Commission officials, accredited observers, and journalists are permitted to move freely between designated areas. The deployment of CP Shogunle and the implementation of these security measures are intended to ensure a secure and orderly electoral process in Anambra State. With the election approaching, the Nigerian Police Force is taking proactive steps to prevent electoral malpractices and maintain public safety.