The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to political thugs ahead of the Anambra governorship election, not to undermine security or compromise the credibility of the exercise.

Egbetokun gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja at the Cleen Foundation 2025 Anambra Governorship Election Security Threat Assessment, STA Dissemination.

The IGP, represented by Umar Hadejia, an Acting Commissioner of Police from the Operations Department, vowed that security agencies would not tolerate any act capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.

Egbetokun also cautioned political parties, their candidates and supporters to strictly adhere to electoral rules, particularly the provisions of the peace accord they signed, warning that any breach would attract decisive sanctions.

“We have made all the necessary arrangements to provide security at the Independent National Electoral Commission offices, for officials, international and local observers, as well as all the law-abiding citizens.

“We assure you that with the security arrangements which have been placed, we are very optimistic that the election will be conducted devoid of any incident.

“We urge party leaders to remember there is a peace accord that was signed by all the political parties to actually abide by what they have signed.

“Anybody who breaches or tries to cause any problem, the law will actually be applied on the person or persons,” he said.

Egbetokun warned that anyone caught attempting to disrupt the electoral process would be promptly arrested, thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

NSCDC boss concurs

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, represented by the ACG of Operations, David Ojelabi, also cautioned the electorate against any form of disorderly conduct during the election.

He explained that the assessment also reinforces the foundation’s commitment to election security while highlighting emerging areas of concern and providing evidence-based insights to guide proactive response measures.

“There has been a slight shift in the threat landscape from our initial STA report previously released.

“This updated assessment is intended to guide stakeholders in preventing violence, strengthening accountability and identifying security risks that could threaten the credibility and safety of the election.

“Our findings indicate a high likelihood of pre-election violence driven largely by distrust in the neutrality of security personnel and identified coordination gaps,” he said.

Hashim recommended the retraining of security personnel on neutrality, de-escalation and human-rights-based policing.

PSC deploys staff monitors

Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission, PSC, Staff monitors have been deployed to the three senatorial zones of Anambra State to monitor Police conduct during the election.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu retd, warned that police officers on electoral duty must exhibit a high level of impartiality and discipline and must ensure that both electoral officers and electoral materials are protected.

The PSC Chairman also directed that Police men on election duty must ensure that a conducive environment is created for the people of Anambra State to vote without let or hindrance, adding that officers, who compromise their rules of engagement will be sanctioned.

Test case for police ahead 2027

DIG Argungu said the Anambra election should be a test case for the Police as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He expressed happiness with the preparations so far put in place by the Anambra state Police Command especially the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, who according to reports, has recently visited all the Area Commands and known flash points in the state to underscore the readiness of the Police to ensure a free and fair election.

DIG Argungu said the Commission would appreciate officers, who exhibit professionalism and commitment during the election and would sanction those who will be found wanting.

The Commission staff Monitors will operate from the state capital and the three senatorial districts of the state. (Vanguard)