The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to all non-state actors, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and the Ebube-Agu vigilante group, to steer clear of the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 6, 2025.
The warning was delivered by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Ben Okoro, during the signing of the National Peace Accord at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
According to the IGP, the responsibility for providing security during the election rests solely with federal security agencies, including the police, military, and other recognized law enforcement bodies.
“Any attempt by IPOB, ESN, or any other non-state actor to interfere with the forthcoming election shall attract an immediate, coordinated, and overwhelming law enforcement response,” Egbetokun warned.
He added that precision-targeted intelligence operations were already underway to track and neutralize individuals or groups plotting to disrupt the electoral process.
“Anyone found bearing arms, intimidating voters, or performing unauthorized security duties will be treated as an armed non-state actor. Such persons will be swiftly arrested, neutralized if necessary, and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (2022),” the police chief stated.
The IGP emphasized that electoral offenses would now be treated as threats to national security, not mere political misconduct. Crimes such as ballot snatching, vote buying, or voter intimidation, he said, are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022 and would attract immediate arrest and prosecution.
He further revealed that specialized cybercrime units have been deployed to monitor and counter online disinformation, fake news, and coordinated propaganda aimed at discrediting the election.
Election Day Protocols
Egbetokun outlined several key election day protocols:
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No VIP Movement: Political appointees, candidates, or VIPs are forbidden from moving with armed escorts or security aides to polling or collation centers.
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Restricted Movement: Only INEC-accredited officials, journalists, and election observers are permitted to move between designated areas.
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No Campaigning Near Polls: Campaigning, political displays, or any act capable of provoking violence near polling units is strictly prohibited.
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Zero Tolerance for Intimidation: Possession of any weapon or tool of intimidation near polling areas will lead to immediate arrest.
The IGP urged political parties, candidates, and campaign managers to take full responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, warning that the police would hold political leaders directly accountable for any breach of peace during the election.
“The peace of Anambra State shall not be negotiated,” he declared.
“Our mission is clear—to ensure that every lawful voter can exercise their civic right without fear, violence, or intimidation.”
The police reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with INEC, civil society groups, and local communities to ensure a credible, transparent, and peaceful governorship election in Anambra State.
