By SCM Staff Writer I Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has warned local security operatives, particularly members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, to steer clear of election duties during the forthcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election in the state.
CP Orutugu issued the warning on Monday during his ongoing statewide strategic engagements on election patriotism and community security awareness. The visit took him to the Ihiala Area Command and the Oraifite Police Division.
According to the Commissioner, all categories of local vigilante groups are not part of the official election security arrangement and must not be seen around polling stations during the exercise.
“Every Agunechemba member should stay away from polling units. You are citizens like everyone else,go peacefully to your polling stations, cast your votes, and return home. From 6 p.m. on the eve of the election, no vigilante should appear in uniform near any polling area,” Orutugu warned.
He emphasized that election security remains the constitutional responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force and other statutory security agencies, not local vigilantes or community outfits.
During his engagements, CP Orutugu met with key community stakeholders, including the President General of Ihiala Community, Hon. Henry (Levy) Omatu; Commander of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, Chief A.K. Ilobi; the Youth President, Prince Chimezie Ezerioha; representatives of the Local Government Chairman; and officers under the Area Command.
At Ihiala, the Commissioner expressed optimism that the lingering security challenges in the area were gradually being overcome.
He commended residents for their courage, civic responsibility, and resilience in resisting the influence of criminal elements who had previously attempted to destabilize the region and disrupt political activities.
While addressing security personnel in Oraifite, CP Orutugu praised the synergy between the police and other security agencies, emphasizing that security success in the area was a collective effort.
“The Police cannot take the glory alone for the peace recorded in this area. Security is a joint responsibility,” he noted.
He reiterated the Police Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that the forthcoming election is conducted in a peaceful, credible, and secure atmosphere.
The Commissioner charged police officers and men to uphold discipline, professionalism, and courtesy in the discharge of their duties, stressing that policing must remain people-centered, intelligence-driven, and rooted in human rights protection.
He also reaffirmed that the Joint Security Framework in the state remains active and will be further reinforced to prevent criminal infiltration before, during, and after the election.
CP Orutugu called on Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and proactive in providing credible intelligence to assist ongoing security operations.
He urged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines—112 or 07039194332—for a prompt response.
Commander of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group in Ihiala, Chief A.K. Ilobi, described the Commissioner’s visit as a welcome development, saying it would strengthen collaboration between the police and local security operatives.
He, however, admitted that the security situation in Ihiala, though improving, still requires more attention.
“The situation is gradually returning to normal, and we are recovering some communities. But we need more police presence to completely defeat insecurity in the area,” he said.
Chief Ilobi identified fear among community stakeholders as one of the major challenges, noting that many influential individuals are too afraid to speak against criminal elements.
He lamented the deplorable condition of police infrastructure in the area command ,stating that police stations destroyed during the EndSARS protests have not been rebuilt.
“There are no operational vehicles, and morale among officers is low. The police need support to function effectively. To restore full security in Ihiala, critical stakeholders must get involved,” he added.
The President General of Ihiala, Hon. Levy Omatu, expressed delight at the CP’s visit, commending the recent posting of a new Divisional Police Officer who, he said, is performing well.
Omatu disclosed that the community has set aside a budget to renovate burnt police buildings and provide operational vehicles.
“Our people are not happy with the insecurity, but normalcy is gradually returning. We will continue to work with the police to ensure positive changes in the Ihiala Area ,” he assured.
In his remarks, the Ihiala Youth President, Prince Chimezie Ezerioha,popularly known as Pope General—lamented the deterioration of security in the area over the past three years.
He, however, urged the youths to unite in the fight against crime.
“There’s no way criminals can operate here without inside help. The youths must rise up and defend our land. We say no more to crime,” he declared.
Ezerioha also appealed to the CP to caution police officers against intimidating youths, noting that mutual trust is essential for effective intelligence sharing.
He called on influential sons and daughters of Ihiala to support the community’s security efforts financially and materially, adding that many residents who fled due to insecurity should feel safe to return, especially during the upcoming Christmas season.
Responding, CP Orutugu acknowledged the community’s challenges and promised to address the shortage of operational vehicles and other logistics in the division.
“When I arrived in Anambra as Commissioner of Police, no one imagined visiting places like Ihiala due to fear. But today, I see progress and determination. I urge the youths to protect government and community property,no outsider should be allowed to destroy what belongs to us,” he said.
The CP also commended the Agunechemba Vigilante Group for their cooperation with the police, describing them as crucial partners in community policing.
“If the police are succeeding in Ihiala, it’s because of effective partnership with Agunechemba. Community policing remains our best strategy because you know your people and every corner of your community,” he emphasized.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that the Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in ensuring peace, law, and order across all communities, particularly as the state prepares for the November 8 governorship election.
He assured residents that with continued cooperation between security agencies, vigilante groups, and community stakeholders, Anambra will experience a hitch-free and credible election.
