The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has deployed Commissioner of Police (CP) Abayomi Shogunle to take charge of security operations in Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
This development was announced in a statement released on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to Ikenga, the deployment is part of the IGP’s strategic plan to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process across the state.
The statement read in part:
“The Anambra State Police Command today, November 4, 2025, announces the resumption of CP Abayomi Shogunle as the Commissioner of Police in charge of policing the state for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
CP Shogunle’s posting is in line with the operational strategy approved by the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen security coordination and promote a credible electoral process.”
Ikenga added that upon assumption of duty, CP Shogunle activated the IGP’s Enforcement Protocol on anti-electoral offences to ensure zero tolerance for ballot snatching, vote-buying, political thuggery, and voter intimidation.
The new Commissioner has also enhanced the operations of the Electoral Offences Desk to monitor social media and online spaces for cyber-related electoral crimes, ensuring prompt investigation and prosecution of offenders.
To guarantee effective security coverage, a central command framework has been established for real-time intelligence sharing, coordination, and rapid response. Over 60,000 security personnel drawn from various agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) have been deployed to secure the 5,720 polling units, with tactical reserves stationed along inter-LGA and state boundaries as well as at designated collation centres.
Ikenga further noted that all vigilante and quasi-security groups, including Agunechemba, are banned from participating in election security duties. Only federally recognised security agencies are authorised to perform such roles, in accordance with Nigerian law.
The statement also warned that VIP movements with armed escorts or aides at polling or collation centres are strictly prohibited. Violators will face immediate arrest, withdrawal of escorts, and prosecution. Only designated INEC officials, accredited observers, and journalists will be allowed unrestricted movement within approved areas.
The Police Commissioner urged political actors, community leaders, and voters to cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace before, during, and after the election.
He can be reached via the command’s emergency line: 0809-600-0079.
Sixteen candidates are contesting the election, with incumbent Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) seeking re-election.