The Anambra State Police Command has announced the deployment and immediate resumption of Abayomi Shogunle, as the Commissioner of Police to take charge of security operations for the forthcoming State Governorship Election, scheduled for 8 November.
The posting, according to the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, is a key component of the operational strategy approved by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun aimed at fostering a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process in the state.
Upon assumption of duty, Shogunle activated the IGP’s Enforcement Protocol for anti-electoral offences, signalling a firm stance against crimes that threaten the sanctity of the ballot.
READ ALSO: Amupitan assures Anambra of peaceful, credible governorship poll
This protocol ensures zero tolerance for: ballot snatching, vote-buying, political thuggery and voter intimidation.
Furthermore, the Commissioner has stepped up the Electoral Offences Desk to actively monitor social media and online spaces, targeting the identification, prompt investigation, and prosecution of cyber-related crimes.
Shogunle has established a central command framework to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing, coordination, and rapid response among all security agencies involved.
The election security plan involves a joint deployment of over 60,000 security personnel from the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
These personnel will be strategically deployed to secure the 5,720 polling units, with tactical reserves placed along inter-Local Government Area (LGA) and State boundaries, as well as at designated election collation centres.
He reiterated the total ban on all vigilante groups such as Agunechemba and all other quasi-security groups in the state. Only authorised Federal Government (FG) security agencies are legally empowered to provide election security duties.
Additionally, VIP movements with armed escorts or security aides at polling or collation centres are strictly prohibited.
Violators face immediate apprehension, withdrawal of their escorts, and prosecution.
Only designated INEC officials, accredited observers, and journalists are permitted to move freely between designated areas.
READ ALSO: APC demands probe of Soludo over cash reward promise ahead of Anambra governorship election
Shogunle called on political actors, community leaders, and the electorate to lend their full support to the police and other security agencies to ensure peace before, during, and after the election.
