FG to trouble-makers: Keep off Anambra poll or face heat, says NSA

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that the Federal Government will come down hard on anyone planning to disrupt the November 8 Anambra governorship election.

Ribadu issued the warning on Tuesday at a session of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

He was represented by the Director of Internal Security in the Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi.

He said security agencies have designed a comprehensive plan to secure voters and electoral officials, adding that troublemakers and desperate actors will be met with what he described as a “forceful and immediate” response.

“As we prepare for the Anambra governorship election on November 8, robust measures have been put in place — including enhanced surveillance, deployment of adequate personnel and improved intelligence — to frustrate any attempt to undermine the process,” he said.

He added that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other sister agencies are fully mobilised to ensure safety before, during and after the exercise.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness, disclosing that logistics and security coordination had been concluded.

“With 11 days to the Anambra poll, the commission is confident to affirm its full level of preparedness,” he said, adding that 24,000 ad-hoc and permanent staff will operate across 5,718 polling units.

Amupitan charged security agencies to block vote-buying and prevent security cover from being abused.

Meanwhile, The Nation learnt that the Anambra State Police Command has directed Area and Tactical Commanders to intensify intelligence-led operations and carry out targeted raids on flashpoints.

The move followed INEC’s deadline extension for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collection to enable more residents participate.