… As NSCDC warns officers against partisanship, assures voters of safety
AWKA — The Commissioner of Police in charge of Saturday’s Anambra governorship election, Abayomi Shogunle, has said that no fewer than 60,000 security personnel drawn from various security agencies have been deployed for the poll.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday in Awka.
Shogunle stated that a central command framework had been established to ensure real-time intelligence sharing, coordination, and rapid response during the election.
He said the deployment followed a joint operation by agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to secure all 5,720 polling units in the state. Tactical reserves, he added, would be positioned along inter-local government boundaries and at designated collation centres.
Upon assumption of duty, Shogunle activated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s enforcement protocol against electoral offences to ensure zero tolerance for ballot snatching, vote buying, political thuggery, and voter intimidation.
The statement added that the Police Commissioner had strengthened the Electoral Offences Desk to monitor social media and online spaces for potential cyber-related crimes during the election.
He reiterated the ban on Agunechemba and other quasi-security groups, stressing that only federally recognised security agencies are authorised to provide election security as provided by law.
The Commissioner also announced a strict prohibition of movements of very important persons with armed escorts or security aides at polling or collation centres, warning that violators would face immediate arrest, withdrawal of such escorts, and prosecution.
He said only designated officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited observers, and journalists would be allowed to move freely within approved areas.
Shogunle urged political actors, community leaders, and voters to support the security agencies in maintaining peace before, during, and after the election. He said he could be reached on 0809-600-0079 for prompt response in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Maku Olatunde, has charged officers of the corps to strictly adhere to the rules of engagement and the NSCDC Code of Conduct during the election.
Olatunde, who gave the directive during a media briefing in Awka on Tuesday, said the corps remains apolitical and would provide an enabling environment and a level playing field for all the 16 political parties participating in the election.
He warned officers against any unprofessional conduct and advised the public to report misconduct through the command’s emergency lines: 09112461172, 08066769442, 08035771835, and 08064009569.
According to him, the corps has mobilised adequate personnel, including conventional and plain-clothed Civil Defenders, tactical squads, and Special Forces to work in synergy with other security agencies before, during, and after the poll.
He directed all officers on election duty to appear in the NSCDC’s traditional blue combat uniform with red collar attire for easy identification and cautioned them against being influenced by politicians.
“For this special assignment, the corps expects you to be apolitical, neutral, and professional in the discharge of your duties. Do not allow yourself to be deceived by desperate politicians or you will have yourself to blame if you fall for their antics,” Olatunde said.
He assured the electorate, observers, and other stakeholders of the safety of their lives and property and urged voters to come out en masse to perform their civic duties.
