By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Barely 24 hours to the by-election in Anambra South Senatorial District, security operations in the area has neen taken over by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Godwin Eze.

To this end, the Agunechemba Security Squad and other local vigilante groups have been barred from operating during the Election period, between 6am and 6pm on Saturday.

Vehicular movements have also been restricted within the Senatorial District between the hours of 6 am and 6pm same day.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the move and directive are proactive measures geared towards ensuring a free fair and transparent election in the area.

The statement reads In part: “In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Godwin Eze who has been deployed as the Supervisory Officer for the forthcoming Anambra Bye-elections slated for tomorrow 16th August 2025. Consequently, he has today, 15th August 2025 assumed full charge of the deployment of officers and men for the exercise.

“The AIG in his address emphasised that only duly accredited security personnel will be permitted to participate in election duties.

“Consequently, all vigilante operatives, hunters, and other quasi-security outfits are strictly prohibited from any form of engagement during the exercise.

“Furthermore, to ensure a safe and hitch-free election, there shall be restrictions on vehicular movement from 6am to 6pm in the affected areas throughout the election period.

“The areas include: Nnewi North and South, Orumba North and South, Ekwusigo, Aguata and Ihiala Local Government areas respectively, for the Anambra South Senatorial District Others include: Onitsha North Constituency 1 as well as Awka South Local Government where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Headquarters is located.

“The restriction is a proactive measure to deter criminal activities, reduce the risk of electoral violence, and guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and security personnel.

“The Command assures residents of its readiness to safeguard the electoral process, while urging citizens to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with security personnel deployed for the exercise.

Ikenga also listed emergency numbers and complaints for the public to include, 08023407772, Command’s Control Room numbers: 07039194332, Police PRO: 08039334002.”