DIG Okolo Takes Charge as Police Strengthen Security for Anambra Governorship Poll

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Benjamin Okolo, has officially assumed duty as the supervisory officer overseeing all police operations ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

Okolo, who represents the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alongside the DIG in charge of Operations, Yakubu Kwazhi, was present during the signing of the peace accord by political parties and the stakeholders’ engagement session held in Awka.

A statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said Okolo’s deployment forms part of the strategic measures approved by the IGP to ensure a peaceful, credible, and professionally managed electoral process across the state.

The statement noted that Okolo would coordinate all field deployments, supervise the operational framework, and ensure strict adherence to the Force’s rules of engagement during the exercise.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the electoral process, protecting the rights of citizens, and ensuring that all political actors conduct themselves in accordance with the law,” Ikenga stated.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with security personnel deployed for election duties.

Assisting Okolo in the coordination of security operations are AIG Akoh Gabriel, the Commissioner of Police for the Anambra governorship election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, as well as other Commissioners of Police deployed across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Meanwhile, CP Shogunle disclosed that the number of security personnel deployed for the poll had been increased from 45,000 to 55,000 to ensure watertight security and the protection of voters and electoral officials.

He clarified that the security build-up was not intended to intimidate voters but to boost their confidence and ensure the smooth conduct of the election.

“The increase in security personnel is not to scare legitimate voters but to guarantee effective operations and protection of voters and INEC officials. We want to assure everyone of a free, fair, and transparent election,” Shogunle said.

He further noted that officers from sister agencies including the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, and DSS would join the police in maintaining order, with at least three personnel stationed at every polling unit across the state.

Speaking during the delivery of sensitive materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Awka, the Police Commissioner reaffirmed the readiness of security agencies to ensure that the election is devoid of intimidation and violence.

“Our collective aim is to guarantee the safety of voters, INEC officials, and all stakeholders throughout the exercise,” he added.