As Anambra State prepares for its governorship election tomorrow, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence, DIG Benjamin Okolo, who also doubles as the DIG in charge of the elections, has assured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
The IGP, in his directive earlier this week, had ordered all police commands and formations to ensure watertight security around the state and intensify intelligence-driven operations to forestall any attempt to disrupt the exercise.
He also cautioned political actors against actions capable of breaching the peace, reiterating that the police would not hesitate to enforce the law where necessary.
Speaking during an interview today at the Command Headquarters in Awka, DIG Okolo said that all security arrangements had been finalised to ensure a peaceful, fair, and credible election across the state.
He stated that the IGP had directed that maximum deployment of personnel, logistics, and intelligence assets be made to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and materials during the election.
Speaking on flashpoints and arrangements made by the police to contain any unrest in such areas, he reiterated: “Adequate security arrangement has been made in accordance with the IGP’s directive. Also, arrangements have been made to contain any issue that may arise during the exercise. Deployments have been made to respond swiftly to such incidents.”
Stressing the peaceful atmosphere in the state, he said the Nigeria Police Force, working in collaboration with other security agencies, has conducted a series of pre-election engagements, including stakeholder meetings and the signing of a peace accord by political parties and candidates.
These efforts, he said, were aimed at promoting peaceful participation and deterring violence before, during, and after the polls.
“We assure the people of Anambra that, through our interactions with stakeholders, the peace accord, and the readiness of our men on ground, every intention has been made to ensure that the election is peaceful, fair, and credible,” he added.
DIG Okolo further appealed to voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear, assuring that security operatives had been properly briefed to maintain professionalism and neutrality throughout the process.
With the deployment of personnel across all 21 local government areas, checkpoints, and collation centres, the Police High Command has assured that Anambra is fully secured ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
He revealed that the police, in collaboration with the military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other relevant agencies, have put in place a joint operational plan to ensure that any potential threats are promptly neutralised.
According to him, “We have an integrated command structure with a joint control room that will coordinate all activities from the election eve to the conclusion of collation. This is to ensure real-time monitoring and rapid response to any incident. Every flashpoint in Anambra has been mapped, and security deployments have been made accordingly.”
DIG Okolo, who has been on the ground in Anambra to personally supervise security arrangements, disclosed that operational teams such as the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and Special Forces have been deployed to ensure total coverage of the state.
He emphasized that no area would be left unattended, including riverine and remote communities, adding that marine police units had also been mobilised to secure waterways and borders.
In a bid to guarantee transparency and public trust, the Police Chief said that all personnel on election duty have undergone briefing and reorientation sessions designed to reinforce discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights.
“We have emphasized zero tolerance for misconduct. Any officer found engaging in unprofessional behaviour or aiding any political party will be dealt with according to the law,” he warned.
DIG Okolo also commended the residents of Anambra for their cooperation so far, urging them to remain law-abiding and avoid any actions that could jeopardize the peace and integrity of the polls.
He added that intelligence reports so far indicate that the security situation across the state remains calm and stable, and that the police would continue to monitor developments closely.
The police boss expressed confidence that the synergy among security agencies, coupled with the cooperation of citizens and the media, would ensure that the election process is hitch-free.
“The Nigeria Police Force has put everything in place to make sure the will of the people prevails. This is not just about security; it’s about protecting democracy. We will ensure that every voter can cast their vote freely without fear or intimidation,” he assured.
The DIG also revealed that the Force Headquarters had provided special communication gadgets and surveillance drones for aerial monitoring of strategic areas, including polling units, border communities, and major highways.
In addition, he said, intelligence operatives have been deployed in plain clothes to monitor movements, identify troublemakers, and forestall vote-buying or any form of electoral malpractice.
While reiterating the IGP’s zero-tolerance stance on violence, DIG Okolo appealed to political leaders to guide their supporters towards peaceful conduct, noting that the credibility of the election depends on the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
“Elections should not be a do-or-die affair. The police are not against any political party or individual. Our role is to ensure peace and order, and we will do so without fear or favour,” he said.
He also urged the media to play a constructive role by providing accurate information and avoiding sensationalism that could inflame passions or create panic among the populace.
DIG Okolo reaffirmed that the Police Command had established emergency hotlines through which residents could report any suspicious activities or incidents during the voting process.
“Members of the public are encouraged to use these hotlines responsibly. We assure them of prompt response to any distress calls or credible intelligence,” he added.
As the election draws closer, the DIG emphasized that the ultimate goal of the security architecture put in place is to ensure that the process reflects the will of the people of Anambra.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding democracy, ensuring public order, and protecting the rights of every citizen. Our men are ready, our plans are comprehensive, and our determination is firm,” he concluded.
With less than 24 hours to the polls, Anambra residents appear increasingly confident that the presence of well-coordinated security agencies will guarantee a peaceful atmosphere conducive to free and fair elections.
Observers believe that the proactive steps taken by the IGP and the high-level supervision by DIG Okolo mark a renewed confidence in Nigeria’s electoral security management, offering hope for a credible outcome that reflects the true aspirations of the people.
Anambra Governorship Election: DIG Okolo Assures Adequate Security
