By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has deployed Commissioner of Police (CP) Abayomi Shogunle to take charge of policing operations in the state.

The CP, who has already assumed office, has activated the Electoral Offences Desk to monitor social media and online spaces in order to identify and address cyber-related electoral crimes for prompt investigation and prosecution.

This was contained in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Awka.

According to the PPRO, CP Shogunle’s deployment aligns with the policing operational strategy approved by the IGP, which is aimed at enhancing strategic security coordination and ensuring a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process in the state.

He said: "Upon resumption, CP Shogunle activated the IGP’s Enforcement Protocol on Anti-Electoral Offences, demonstrating zero tolerance for electoral malpractices such as ballot snatching, vote-buying, political thuggery, and voter intimidation.

“In addition, the CP has reinforced the Electoral Offences Monitoring Desk to intensify surveillance on both physical and virtual spaces, especially social media platforms, to promptly detect and prosecute cyber-related election offences.

“To guarantee effective security coverage, CP Shogunle has established a central command framework to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination, and rapid response during the election.

“This includes the joint deployment of over 60,000 personnel drawn from various security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

“The deployment will cover all 5,720 polling units, with tactical reserves stationed along inter-LGA and state boundaries as well as at designated election collation centres.”

Shogunle further reiterated the total ban on all vigilante groups, including Agunechemba and other quasi-security outfits, emphasizing that only federally recognized security agencies are authorized to perform election security duties as stipulated by Nigerian law.

He insisted that VIP movements with armed escorts or security aides at polling units or collation centres remain strictly prohibited,

While warning that violators will face immediate arrest, withdrawal of escorts, and prosecution, the CP insisted that only INEC officials, accredited observers, and journalists are permitted to move between designated election areas.

The CP further urged political actors, community leaders, and the electorate to cooperate with the police and other security agencies to maintain peace, order, and public safety before, during, and after the election.

He said that for Inquiries or emergency contact, the public can reach the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State through mobile no: 0809-600-0079.