Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ben Okolo, who heads the Intelligence Bureau, made this known during a meeting with officers and men of the Force in Awka, the state capital.
He directed all personnel deployed for election duty to remain professional, neutral, and law-abiding throughout the exercise, stressing that impartiality among security agencies is vital to guaranteeing credible polls.
“The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in election security are apolitical institutions. Our allegiance is not to any political party, candidate, or ideology, but solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
“We shall remain neutral yet assertive, civil yet firm, professional yet unyielding in the discharge of our duties during the process,” the IGP added.
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Egbetokun disclosed that the Force had activated a zero-tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and other relevant laws. He warned that electoral offences such as ballot snatching, vote buying, thuggery, and voter intimidation would be treated as criminal acts threatening national security.
“Officers are under strict instructions to effect immediate arrest based on prima facie evidence and ensure diligent prosecution,” he stated.
To promote accountability, the IGP announced the deployment of the Special Cybercrime Unit to monitor police conduct during the election. “You are being watched and will be held accountable for your actions,” he cautioned, urging officers to uphold the integrity of the Force.
Egbetokun also commended officers serving in Anambra for their dedication to maintaining peace in the state and urged them to sustain professionalism throughout the electoral period.
Aerial Surveillance and Tactical Deployment
As part of the comprehensive security plan for the poll, helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance have arrived in the state ahead of Saturday’s election.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the aerial assets and tactical teams were deployed from Force Headquarters to reinforce security across Anambra’s 21 local government areas.
The deployment, approved by the IGP, aims to bolster local formations with additional manpower, technical equipment, and rapid-response capabilities.
Receiving the tactical teams in Awka, Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed appreciation to the IGP for the sustained logistical and operational support.
“The deployment of helicopters and surveillance drones will enable real-time monitoring of key locations, border communities, and flashpoints, while ground teams will sustain robust patrols and checkpoint operations across the state,” Orutugu said.
He assured residents of the Command’s readiness to work with other security agencies to maintain peace and order during the election.
Orutugu also urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel, reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 07039194332 or 08039334002.
“Our goal is to provide a secure environment where every law-abiding citizen can freely exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation,” he concluded.
