The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday confirmed that Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence, DIG Ben Okolo, is to lead the overall police team during Saturday’s Anambra governorship election.

Okolo is expected to coordinate all field operations in line with the strategic directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olukoyode Egbetokun.

PSC also confirmed that Anambra State remains calm with security deployments already tightening across the state.

The Commission’s monitoring team, led by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Taiwo Lakanu, has arrived in Awka on Thursday to oversee police performance and ensure professionalism during the poll.

According to the Head of Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, the deployment follows the visit of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whose two-day engagement with stakeholders in Anambra has begun yielding positive results.

Ani said the police officers on election duty have reportedly taken full control of strategic areas across the state, maintaining visible security presence to reassure residents and deter disruptions.

The Commission stated that its delegation to Anambra is acting within its constitutional mandate to promote credible elections by ensuring that the police, as the lead agency in internal security, perform optimally.

To strengthen accountability, the PSC also released a list of dedicated hotlines for residents and observers to report misconduct or commendable behaviour of officers during the election.

DIG Lakanu, who chairs the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the police in protecting voters, officials, and election materials.

He emphasised that free, fair, and credible elections can only thrive in a secured and peaceful environment, and assured that the Commission would closely monitor compliance across all local government areas.

Ani said Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, recently deployed to coordinate the election, has designed a comprehensive operational manual to guide officers in ensuring order and transparency throughout the exercise.

The Police Service Commission reiterated its readiness to work with security agencies and election stakeholders to guarantee a peaceful and credible electoral process in Anambra State. (The Nation)