By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

With barely 5 days to the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the state Police Command has received advance tactical teams and surveillance equipment from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

It also received helicopters and drones, to help strengthen security operations and surveillance in flash point areas during the election.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, explained that the deployment was part of a strategic operational plan approved by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to reinforce the Command’s manpower and technical capacity for effective election security management.

He disclosed while receiving the Force Headquarters’ advance tactical teams in Awka, the state capital, on Monday that the new deployment includes helicopters and surveillance drones for aerial monitoring of flashpoints, border communities, and major highways across the state. The CP added that the aerial operation will complement the ongoing ground patrols by tactical units, intelligence operatives, and special squads stationed across the 21 local government areas of the state.

"The deployment aims to enhance visibility policing, boost intelligence-driven operations, and ensure a swift response to any emerging security threat before, during, and after the governorship election. He further noted that the Commissioner of Police has directed that the newly arrived tactical operatives work closely with divisional police formations and other security agencies to maintain peace and order," CP Ikioye said.

The Command, according to the Spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, is fully prepared for the election. He noted that the deployment of the helicopters and drones will allow for real-time surveillance to enable the police have upper hand in monitoring flashpoints and sensitive areas, as well as preventing any form of violence or disruption.

While urging residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, the Command called on the public to promptly report any suspicious movement or persons through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 07039194332 or 08039334002.

It also reaffirmed commitment to ensuring a secure and peaceful environment where citizens can exercise their franchise freely without fear or intimidation.