By Peter Omopo
Awka | October 28, 2025 — The Anambra State Police Command has ordered a series of coordinated security raids across identified flashpoints ahead of the November 8 governorship election, in a bid to forestall political violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, and announced in a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in Awka.
According to the statement, the operation targets areas prone to political thuggery, cult-related violence, and illegal possession of firearms, with a focus on preventing emerging threats before they escalate.
“Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders must intensify intelligence-driven operations and conduct coordinated raids across identified flashpoints in their jurisdictions,” Orutugu said.
The commissioner disclosed that credible intelligence had revealed plans by certain individuals and groups acting on behalf of political interests to mobilise youths for violent activities in the build-up to the polls.
He warned that the police would deal decisively with any attempt to disrupt public peace, intimidate voters, or undermine lawful electoral processes, stressing that the command remained neutral and non-partisan in its operations.
“Our duty is to protect lives and property, safeguard the integrity of the electoral space, and enforce the law without fear, favour, or political influence,” the police chief stated.
Meanwhile, preparations for the governorship election have reached an advanced stage. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday reaffirmed that Anambra State is fully ready for the exercise.
This followed a week-long readiness assessment tour by a high-level INEC delegation from Abuja, led by National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, Rhoda Gumus.
According to a bulletin issued by Victoria Eta-Messi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, the team conducted an extensive review of facilities, logistics, and security arrangements across several local government areas, including Dunukofia and Oyi, where deployment of non-sensitive election materials is already underway.
The delegation also monitored the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and interacted with residents to assess voter preparedness.
“Every vehicle, every ballot, every form must be properly tracked,” said Kenneth Ukeagu, one of the National Commissioners in the delegation, assuring voters of transparency and security during the polls.
The Anambra governorship election is expected to be a major political event, with security agencies intensifying surveillance and stakeholders calling for peaceful participation across the state.
