The outcome of election security threat analysis conducted by the Force Intelligence Bureau has necessitated massive deployment of assets and personnel for today’s governorship election in Anambra State.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba Usman, has overhauled the security landscape in Anambra State for the November 6 governorship election in the state.

Two Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) and other strategic commanders have been deployed to the state for effective supervision of security personnel and operations in the governorship election.

Other Strategic Commanders deployed to Anambra State include five Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), 14 Commissioners of Police (CPs), 31 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and 48 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba Usman has deployed 34,587 operatives for the polls.

This figure is being complemented by the Military and other security and intelligence agencies.

The deployment consists of conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force, the Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Forces, Explosive Ordnance Unit, Force Intelligence Bureau, INTERPOL, Special Protection Unit and a medical team.

Three helicopters have been deployed for aerial surveillance while detachments of Marine Police operatives are deployed to ensure safe, secure and credible electoral process.

The election security is designed such that all the three Senatorial Districts, 21 Local Government Areas, 326 Wards and 5,720 Polling Units across the state will witness adequate security coverage.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr. Joseph Egbunike, is the coordinator of the security component for the election.

Egbunike will be assisted by the DIG in-charge of Operations, Acting DIG Zaki Ahmed.

Senior Officers are to coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three Senatorial Districts, 21 Local Government Areas and the 5,720 polling units in Anambra State.
Speaking on the deployment, the IGP said: “This massive deployment is not designed to intimidate the law-abiding as being insinuated in some quarters. In the contrary, it is to re-assure them of adequate protection by deterring misguided political elements as well as non-state actors that might be bent on threatening the elections through acts of armed violence or other conducts that violate the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“It is to also serve as a strong warning that the government is determined to bring such subversive characters to justice should they advance their ignoble, undemocratic and unpatriotic intents.

“The overriding objective of our operational action plan is to ensure an environment that is peaceful enough to encourage the law-abiding people of Anambra State to exercise their electoral franchise.”