By SCM Correspondent, SE I Monday, Nov. 03, 2025
ANAMBRA, Nigeria – The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has cautioned officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force deployed for the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, neutrality, and integrity throughout the electoral process.
Represented by DIG Ben Okolo, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the IGP stated that the Police High Command has activated a special monitoring team to oversee the conduct of officers during the election.
Egbetokun gave the warning on Monday while addressing police personnel at the Anambra State Police Headquarters, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
“I want to commend you for the good work you have been doing in Anambra State. The state has its unique security challenges, yet you have continued to perform creditably,”
“You are aware of the political season we are in,this is an off-cycle governorship election. As the lead agency for internal security and election management, the Nigeria Police Force recognizes its statutory responsibilities under Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020. These include preventing crime, preserving public order, protecting lives and property, and enforcing all laws with due respect for human rights.”he said.
The IGP stated that all police operations in Anambra must be carried out without compromise, reiterating that the Police and other security agencies participating in the election are apolitical institutions.
“Let there be no ambiguity. The allegiance of the Nigeria Police Force is not to any political party, candidate, or ideology, but to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sovereign will of the Nigerian electorate. We must remain civil yet firm, professional yet uncompromising, in the discharge of our duties during this election,” he declared.
Egbetokun further stated that the Force has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of electoral misconduct.
“Our professionalism will be measured yet decisive. Electoral offences will be treated as criminal violations against national security, not mere political misconduct. Crimes such as ballot snatching, vote buying, thuggery, and voter intimidation are felonies under the Electoral Act, 2022. Officers have been strictly instructed to arrest offenders on prima facie evidence and ensure diligent prosecution through the Electoral Offences Desks already activated across the state,” he said.
The IGP disclosed that specialized crime detection and monitoring teams have been deployed to supervise the conduct of officers during the election.
“You will be held accountable for your actions. You are being closely monitored. Our mandate is to provide a secure environment for a peaceful, free, and fair election. Conduct yourselves above board—you are under serious scrutiny, and I trust you will not disappoint. Additional officers will be joining you from tomorrow,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured that the command is fully prepared to deliver a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election devoid of violence.
CP Orutugu expressed delight at the presence of senior officers in the state and pledged the command’s full commitment to the IGP’s directives.
“We thank the IGP and his entourage for their support. I assure the IGP that the forthcoming Anambra governorship election will be peaceful, free, fair, and credible,” he said.
Also speaking, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra State, AIG Aboyemi Popoola, said all arrangements for the election had been concluded to ensure a smooth, professional, and credible process.
“We have put everything in place to guarantee a peaceful election. At the end of the exercise, the Nigeria Police Force will have every reason to be proud,” he added.
AIG Aboyemi Popoola (Zone 13, Ukpo) and DIG Ben Okolo (Operations, FHQ Abuja) with CP Ikioye Orutugu at the Anambra Police Command, Amawbia, Awka, on Monday.
