Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has approved the deployment of 42,000 officers for the Anambra 2025 governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8. Officials announced the decision during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security meeting at INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
Abayomi Shogunle, Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, represented the IGP at the meeting. He confirmed that the deployment aims to ensure adequate security before, during, and after the election.
“We are determined to deliver a peaceful and credible election,” Egbetokun said.
Tactical units will begin clearance operations on November 1 to neutralize threats and arrest potential troublemakers. Only security agencies officially represented in ICCES will participate in the election. These include the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The IGP emphasized that authorities will not allow any vigilante group to participate in the electoral process.
On election day, police will restrict movement and secure all entry and exit points in Anambra State.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu also issued a stern warning to political actors. Hassan Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security, represented Ribadu, who firmly stressed zero tolerance for violence.
He said they are engaging political leaders and local stakeholders to clearly communicate zero tolerance for violence.
He urged political parties and candidates to promote peace throughout the election period. Ribadu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to a safe and orderly election, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
