POLICE BAN VIGILANTE GROUPS AHEAD OF ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The new Commissioner of Police for the Anambra governorship election, Mr. Abayomi Shogunle, has banned all local vigilante groups from participating in security duties during Saturday’s poll.
Mr. Shogunle said only federal security agencies are authorized to provide election security, in line with national laws. He vowed to enforce the IGP’s anti-electoral offences protocol, targeting ballot snatching, vote-buying, thuggery, and voter intimidation.
He also strengthened the Electoral Offences Desk to monitor online activities for cybercrimes, ensuring prompt investigation and prosecution. A central command system has been set up for real-time intelligence sharing and rapid response, with over 60,000 security personnel deployed to secure 5,720 polling units across the state.
Police spokesperson Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga added that VIPs are barred from moving with armed escorts to polling or collation centres, warning that violators would be arrested and prosecuted.
He said Mr. Shogunle’s posting aims to enhance security and ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election in Anambra.