The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced plans to deploy 45,000 officers across Anambra State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for 8 November 2025, as security agencies intensify measures to ensure a peaceful poll.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made the disclosure during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting, chaired by INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, and co-chaired by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, included senior officials from security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. Ribadu was represented by Hassan Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the NSA’s office.
Egbetokun, represented by CP Abayomi Shogunle, head of the Elections Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation unit, said:
“The Nigeria Police Force is deploying 45,000 officers from across the federation to ensure a peaceful election in Anambra State. Only federal security agencies under ICCES will participate. State vigilante groups or other agencies will not be allowed to play any role.”
Shogunle also outlined pre-election security operations, including tactical deployments and restrictions on movement.
He said from 1 November, tactical units would begin clearance operations to disarm and arrest disruptive elements, while all entry and exit points into Anambra State will be closely monitored on election day.
Representing the government’s commitment, Abdullahi stated:
“Robust security measures, enhanced surveillance, and improved intelligence gathering have been put in place to prevent any attempts by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the electoral process.”
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, DG of the National Youth Service Corps, assured the protection of corps members supporting the election, pledging to be personally on the ground before, during, and after the polls.
Earlier, INEC Chairman Prof. Amupitan emphasised that the commission is fully prepared for the election and remains committed to a smooth, credible electoral process.
