The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to non-state actors, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the state-owned Ebube-Agu vigilante group, to steer clear of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DIG Ben Okoro, gave the warning on Thursday during the signing of the National Peace Accord at the International Conference Centre, Awka.
Egbetokun declared that only federal security agencies are authorised to provide security during the November 6 poll, adding that any attempt to disrupt the exercise will be met with overwhelming force.
“Any attempt by IPOB, ESN or any other non-state actor to interfere with the forthcoming election shall invite an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response,” the police said.
According to him, precision intelligence operations are already underway to identify and neutralise individuals or groups planning violence or intimidation.
He warned that anyone found carrying arms or performing unauthorised security functions will be treated as an armed threat to the state.
“Such persons shall be swiftly neutralised, arrested and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022,” he stated.
The police chief also announced a zero-tolerance policy for electoral offences, stressing that crimes such as ballot snatching, vote buying and voter intimidation will be treated as national security violations, not political misconduct.
He added that specialised cybercrime units have been deployed to monitor misinformation and online propaganda aimed at disrupting the electoral process.
On Election Day, VIP movements with armed escorts will be prohibited, while only accredited INEC officials, observers and journalists will be permitted free movement between designated areas.
“Party agents and security personnel must remain within their assigned jurisdictions. Campaigning or provocative acts near polling units are banned,” he cautioned.
Egbetokun stressed that political leaders will be held responsible for the conduct of their supporters, urging all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
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