IGP Deploys CP Abayomi Shogunle to Lead Election Duty in Anambra

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, to oversee security operations for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

According to Ikenga, CP Shogunle has assumed duty as the Commissioner of Police in charge of election operations in the state.

“Upon assumption of duty, CP Shogunle activated the IGP’s Enforcement Protocol for anti-electoral offences to ensure zero tolerance for ballot snatching, vote buying, political thuggery, and voter intimidation,” Ikenga stated.

He added that Shogunle had established a central command framework for real-time intelligence sharing, coordination, and rapid response.

“A joint deployment of over 60,000 security personnel drawn from agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) will secure the 5,720 polling units, with tactical reserves stationed along inter-local government and state boundaries as well as designated collation centers,” Ikenga said.

The police spokesperson also disclosed that the Electoral Offences Desk had been reinforced to monitor social media and online spaces for cyber-related electoral offences, with offenders to face prompt investigation and prosecution.

Ikenga noted that the deployment was part of the IGP’s strategic plan to enhance security management and ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process in the state.

He quoted CP Shogunle as reiterating the total ban on vigilante and quasi-security groups, including Agunechemba, during the election.

“Only federal government security agencies are authorized to provide election security duties as provided by the laws of the federation,” he said.

The statement further emphasized that VIP movements with armed escorts or aides around polling or collation centers are strictly prohibited. Violators, it warned, will face immediate arrest, withdrawal of security details, and prosecution.

“Only designated INEC officials, accredited observers, and journalists are permitted to move freely between designated areas,” the statement added.