Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Godwin Eze, has assumed full command of security operations in the Anambra South Senatorial District ahead of Saturday’s by-election.
In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, local security outfits including the Agunechemba Security Squad and other vigilante groups, have been barred from participation in the electoral exercise.
“In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Godwin Eze, who has been deployed as the Supervisory Officer for the forthcoming Anambra Bye-elections slated for tomorrow 16th August 2025. Consequently, he has today, 15th August 2025 assumed full charge of the deployment of officers and men for the exercise,” the statement read.
Eze emphasized that only accredited security personnel will be authorized to operate during the elections.
“The AIG in his address emphasised that only duly accredited security personnel will be permitted to participate in election duties,” Ikenga explained.
To ensure voter safety and uphold order, vehicular movement will also be restricted in key areas from 6 am to 6 pm on election day.
The areas affected include Nnewi North and South, Orumba North and South, Ekwusigo, Aguata, Ihiala, Onitsha North Constituency 1, and Awka South, home to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters.
“Furthermore, to ensure a safe and hitch-free election, there shall be restrictions on vehicular movement from 6 am to 6 pm in the affected areas throughout the election period,” Ikenga stated.
These proactive measures aim to deter criminal activity and reduce the risk of electoral violence.
“The restriction is a proactive measure to deter criminal activities, reduce the risk of electoral violence, and guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and security personnel,” the statement noted.
The police command reassured residents of its readiness to protect the electoral process and urged citizens to cooperate with officers on duty.
“The Command assures residents of its readiness to safeguard the electoral process, while urging citizens to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with security personnel deployed for the exercise,” Ikenga added.
For emergencies or complaints, voters were given the following contact numbers:
– AIG’s direct line: 08023407772
– Command’s Control Room: 07039194332
– Police PRO: 08039334002
