The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, issued a stern warning against electoral violence and affirmed the absolute neutrality of security forces, as he presided over the signing of the Peace Accord for the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election.
Speaking in Awka, the IGP announced an uncompromising, intelligence-driven operational plan and a “Zero-Tolerance Enforcement Protocol” to safeguard the poll scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, 2025.
IGP Egbetokun emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and sister agencies are entering the election as apolitical institutions, loyal only to the Nigerian Constitution and the electorate’s will.
“Our allegiance is not to any political party, candidate, or ideology, but solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the IGP stated. “The Force shall remain neutral yet assertive; civil yet firm; professional yet unyielding in the discharge of its duties.”
He warned that any attempt to undermine public peace, manipulate the process, or intimidate voters “will be met with swift, lawful, and proportionate force,” declaring, “The peace of Anambra State is non-negotiable.”
In a major pronouncement, the Police Chief issued an “immediate and total proscription” on all non-state and state-controlled quasi-security formations during the election period, citing the exclusive authority of the Federal Government over election security.
“This includes, but is not limited to, the so-called Ebube Agu and other unauthorized vigilante outfits,” he stressed.
The IGP specifically addressed the threat posed by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Intelligence suggests these elements may attempt to enforce sit-at-home orders and disrupt the process.
Any attempt by IPOB, ESN, or any other non-state actor to interfere will be met with “an immediate, coordinated, and overwhelming law enforcement response.” Persons found bearing arms or performing unauthorized security duties will be treated as armed non-state actors, facing neutralization, arrest, and prosecution under the Firearms Act and Terrorism Act.
The NPF, as the Coordinating Lead Agency, has activated a multi-layered deployment plan under the unified command structure of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
The NPF will provide sufficient officers to cover all 4,608 polling units to ensure voter safety and ballot integrity. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will serve as tactical reserves along inter-LGA boundaries for rapid response. Other agencies, including the NSCDC and FRSC, will secure critical infrastructure and collation centres.
The IGP outlined clear, binding regulations for Election Day: No political appointee, candidate, or VIP is permitted to move with armed escorts to polling or collation centres.
Only accredited INEC officials, election observers, and journalists may move freely between designated areas. Campaigning, partisan display, or possession of any weapon near polling units is strictly prohibited.
IGP Egbetokun concluded by placing the onus for peaceful conduct on the political class. “The Nigeria Police Force will hold political leadership directly accountable for the conduct of their supporters,” he stated, urging citizens to vote “freely and fearlessly.”
