The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday warned criminal elements planning to disrupt Anambra State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, 8 November, 2025, to stay clear of all polling units in the state.
According to him security agencies will fully enforce the law to the letter.
Egbetokun handed down the warning during the dissemination meeting on the Election Security Threat Assessment in Abuja.
Nigerian Police Chief, who was represented at the meeting by the Acting Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations at the Force Headquarters, CP Umar Hadejia, said any individual or group plotting to cause unrest during the election should “leave Anambra now,” stressing that security agencies would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute offenders.
“To the criminal element, I would say that it is better for them to leave Anambra. We are going to use the full rights of the law to ensure that anybody trying to cause trouble during the election will be arrested, investigated and possibly prosecuted,” he said.
While assuring residents of the state that adequate security measures were already in place, including the deployment of personnel and the activation of emergency lines, Egbetokun said citizens can report threats or suspicious activity through the toll-free number 933, available on all networks.
“All law-abiding citizens should not fear anything. We are going to provide security to them. Our men will stand by to respond to any distress. I assure you that with the arrangement we have made, this election will be incident-free,” he said.
The IG also cautioned political actors and party leaders to conduct themselves responsibly, stating that security agencies will not tolerate incitement or actions capable of undermining the process.
“For party leaders, they are advised to play by the rules. Otherwise, they will be arrested, investigated and possibly prosecuted,” he declared.
On concerns about unprofessional conduct by security operatives during elections, Hadejia noted that officers receive pre-deployment briefings and operate under strict rules of engagement. Any misuse of firearms, he emphasised, will attract sanctions.
“Any person who misuses arms or commits an offence will be held liable and likely prosecuted,” he added.
