The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, as the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
A statement issued on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, announced that CP Shogunle has resumed duty to oversee all policing and security arrangements for the election.
According to the statement, the deployment aligns with the IGP’s operational strategy aimed at enhancing strategic security planning to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process in the State.
Upon assumption of duty, CP Shogunle activated the IGP’s Enforcement Protocol for anti-electoral offences, emphasizing zero tolerance for ballot snatching, vote-buying, political thuggery, and voter intimidation. He has also strengthened the Electoral Offences Desk to monitor social media and online spaces for potential cyber-related election crimes for prompt investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police has established a central command framework for real-time intelligence sharing, coordination, and rapid response. Over 60,000 security personnel drawn from agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) will be deployed across the 5,720 polling units, with tactical reserves positioned along inter-local government and state boundaries as well as at designated collation centres.
Reiterating the total ban on vigilante and quasi-security groups such as Agunechemba during the election period, CP Shogunle stressed that only federal security agencies are authorized to provide election security in line with the laws of the federation.
He further warned that VIP movements with armed escorts or security aides at polling or collation centres are strictly prohibited. Any violators will be arrested, have their escorts withdrawn, and face prosecution. Only officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited observers, and journalists are permitted free movement between designated election areas.
CP Shogunle appealed to political actors, community leaders, and the electorate to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies in maintaining peace before, during, and after the election.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police can be reached on 0809-600-0079 for election-related security concerns.