As part of ongoing efforts to guarantee safety and ensure a hitch-free governorship election in Anambra State, the Anambra State Police Command has received the Force Headquarters’ Advance Tactical Teams deployed to strengthen the security architecture across the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, while addressing journalists in Awka, on Sunday, said the deployment, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, is in line with the Force’s strategic operational plan to reinforce local formations with additional manpower and advanced technical support, including helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance.
Receiving the tactical teams in Awka, Orutugu expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his unwavering support and commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in Anambra State.
Orutugu said, “The aerial surveillance will complement ongoing land patrols by tactical units, intelligence operatives, and police special squads strategically deployed across all 21 local government areas of the State.
“The combined efforts of the Command and the newly arrived tactical operatives will further enhance visibility policing, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response to emerging threats.
“The deployment of helicopters and surveillance drones will enable real-time monitoring of key locations, border communities, and flash points, while ground teams will maintain robust patrols and checkpoint operations across all 21 local government areas of the State.”
The CP reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with sister security agencies and other stakeholders in maintaining peace, law and order, especially as the governorship election draws closer.
He further urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of the Police, by promptly reporting suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 07039194332 or 08039334002.
“The Anambra State Police Command assures the good people of the State of its firm commitment to ensuring a secure environment where law-abiding citizens can go about their lawful duties without fear or intimidation,” he added.
PUNCH Online had reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission had declared full readiness for the governorship election slated for November 8 across the 5,718 wards across the state.
The National Commissioner Supervising Anambra and Chairman Tenders Board Committee, Dr Kenneth Ikeagu, disclosed this while addressing journalists during a press briefing at the INEC state headquarters in Awka.
Ikeagu also said about 24,000 ad hoc staff will be deployed while about 540 journalists have been accredited to cover the election, adding that the commission is fully committed to the governorship poll in line with its commitment to credible and inclusive elections.
He said the Commission has been implementing a comprehensive plan of activities covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination, including the conduct of a mock accreditation exercise, which was conducted across selected polling units in three senatorial districts of the state on Saturday.
According to INEC, 16 candidates from 16 political parties are contesting the governorship election to wrest power from the incumbent, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is also seeking reelection under the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
