The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Benjamin Okolo has attributed the peaceful and orderly conduct of the ongoing Anambra State governorship election to the strategic deployment of security personnel, advanced surveillance measures, and the effective leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Speaking with newsmen at the Anambra State Police Command headquarters on Saturday night, DIG Okolo commended the IGP for his role in ensuring smooth coordination among security agencies across the state.
“The arrangements put in place under the guidance of the IGP have been excellent. His directives ensured that all agencies performed effectively, and this has contributed immensely to the peace we are witnessing,” Okolo said.
The DIG noted that the police and other security agencies maintained strict oversight throughout the exercise, creating a safe environment for voters to freely exercise their franchise.
“Overall, the process has remained very peaceful, and voters have conducted themselves very well. The police and other security agencies have also performed admirably,” he added.
Addressing security concerns in Ihiala—previously regarded as a flashpoint for IPOB-related activities—DIG Okolo disclosed that pre-election clearance operations in the area contributed significantly to the calm atmosphere experienced during the polls.
“It remained very peaceful. I think this was largely due to the clearance operations carried out there before the election, which contributed significantly to the success we observed,” he noted.
On reports of arrests, Okolo explained that while collation was still ongoing, only minor infractions such as breaches of movement restrictions had been recorded.
“It is difficult to say at this moment, as collation is still ongoing. There have been minor infractions, such as breaches of the no-movement regulations, but those will simply be addressed locally,” he said.
The DIG further outlined that security deployment was structured in phases—covering the movement of election materials, voting, and collation—ensuring full protection throughout the process.
“We anticipated some challenges, particularly during collation—from polling units to ward and local government centres, and then to INEC headquarters. Security measures have been realigned to cover all these phases,” he explained.
He assured that the existing security architecture would remain active beyond the election period until directed otherwise by the IGP.
“Security is in place before, during, and after the election. The current architecture will stand down only when the Inspector General of Police gives the order,” Okolo stated.
On the conduct of officers, the DIG confirmed that no reports of misconduct had been received from any part of the state.
“Our personnel have behaved professionally and exemplarily. There has been no report from any polling unit, local government, or ward of misconduct by police, military, or other officers involved in the assignment,” he affirmed.
Speaking on the visible air and drone surveillance operations across the state, Okolo said the measures were essential in deterring potential threats and ensuring effective monitoring.
“The essence of a show of force, whether through air surveillance or ground presence, is to demonstrate authority, which often acts as a deterrent. It has contributed positively to the success of the election,” he explained.
Addressing questions on vote buying, the DIG clarified that while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leads enforcement of financial offences, the police were working in close coordination with relevant agencies.
“In this instance, no arrests have been made by the police so far. As I mentioned earlier, we are still collecting reports from all local governments, and at the end of the day, we will have a complete picture,” he said.
DIG Okolo commended the people of Anambra for their peaceful conduct and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to sustaining security until the electoral process is fully concluded.