The Nigeria Police Force has warned non-state actors, including the state-owned vigilante group Ebube Agu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to stay away from the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Ben Okoro, issued the warning during the signing of the National Peace Accord at the International Conference Centre in Awka, the State capital.
He emphasized that the provision of security during the election is the exclusive responsibility of federal security agencies, cautioning that any attempt by non-state actors to interfere with the process would be met with decisive 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 warned.
DIG Okoro stated that “precision-targeted intelligence operations are already active to identify, isolate, and dismantle any network or individual engaging in intimidation or violence. The peace of Anambra State shall not be negotiated.”
He further declared that anyone found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performing unauthorized security duties outside recognized federal agencies would be treated as an armed non-state actor.
“Such persons shall be swiftly neutralized, arrested, and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. This remains an operational red line that will be enforced without hesitation,” he stated.
The police also announced the activation of a zero-tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act and related laws, stressing that electoral offenses would be treated as criminal threats to national security.
Offenses such as ballot snatching, vote buying, and voter intimidation, the police said, are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022, and officers have been directed to make immediate arrests based on credible evidence, with prosecution handled by the Electoral Offenses Desk already established across the state.
In addition, specialized cybercrime units have been deployed to monitor, trace, and counter digital misinformation, fake news, and coordinated online propaganda aimed at disrupting public peace or discrediting the electoral process.
On Election Day protocols, the police announced strict movement restrictions, stating that no political appointee, candidate, or VIP will be allowed to move with armed escorts or security aides to polling or collation centres.
Only accredited INEC officials, observers, and journalists will be permitted to move freely within designated areas, while party agents and security personnel must remain within their assigned jurisdictions.
The police also prohibited campaigning, partisan displays, or any act capable of causing provocation near polling units, warning that possession of weapons or instruments of intimidation will attract immediate arrest.
