Anambra Poll: IG deploys new CP to oversee security

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle to take charge of security operations in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday. He said the move is part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.

According to him, CP Shogunle will enforce the IGP’s anti-electoral offences protocol, aimed at curbing ballot snatching, vote-buying, thuggery, and voter intimidation.

Ikenga also revealed that a special Electoral Offences Desk has been activated to monitor social media for cyber-related crimes linked to the polls.

He added that over 60,000 security operatives drawn from various agencies will be deployed across Anambra’s 5,720 polling units, with backup teams stationed at local government and state boundaries.

The police have also banned vigilante groups like Agunechemba and warned that only federal security agencies are authorised to provide election security.

The command further cautioned VIPs against moving around polling or collation centres with armed escorts, warning that violators will be arrested and prosecuted.

Ikenga urged political parties, community leaders, and voters to cooperate with the police to maintain peace before, during, and after the election.