Police warn IPOB Militants, other non state actors to stay clear of Anambra election

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has warned all non-state actors including, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ebube Agu and other vigilante outfits to stay clear of the Saturday governorship election in Anambra.

Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of Intelligent Operations, Benjamin Okolo, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja during the signing of peace accord for Anambra governorship election.

Egbetokun warned that any attempt to undermine public peace, manipulate the electoral process or intimidate voters would be met with swift, lawful, and proportionate force.

He said that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were prepared to ensure that the democratic exercise unfolded under an atmosphere of absolute security, fairness and public confidence.

He said that the force in collaboration with other sister security agencies, had developed an integrated, intelligence-driven operational plan designed to prevent infractions, neutralise threats, and secure the electoral process from the beginning to the end.

“The responsibility for election security is an exclusive preserve of the Federal Government and its recognized agencies.

“Consequently, the NPF hereby issues an immediate and total proscription on the activities, operation, or assembly of any non-state or state-controlled quasi-security formation during the election period.

“This includes, but is not limited to, the so-called Ebube Agu and other unauthorised vigilante outfits,” he said.

Egbetokun said that the directive was in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, particularly Sections 91(1) and 120(1), which vested exclusive authority for securing public peace and maintaining order during elections in the NPF.

He added that the section also expressly prohibited any other individual or group from performing such security functions, noting that any contravention of those provisions constituted a direct breach of federal law and shall attract severe sanctions.

“In this regard, the NPF remains particularly alert to the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“ Intelligence reports indicate that these elements are making attempts to impose unlawful restrictions, enforce sit-at-home orders, and create fear among residents to disrupt the electoral process.

“Such actions are clear acts of criminality and treasonable defiance of the Nigerian State.

“ Let it be clearly established that no group – armed or unarmed, overt or covert – has the authority to dictate movement, obstruct lawful voting, or undermine the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Any attempt by IPOB, ESN, or any other non-state actor to interfere with the forthcoming election shall invite an immediate, coordinated, and overwhelming law enforcement response.

“Precision-targeted intelligence operations are already active to identify, isolate, and dismantle any network or individual plotting acts of intimidation or violence.

“The Nigerian State will respond firmly, lawfully, and conclusively. The peace of Anambra shall not be negotiated,” he said

Egbetokun warned that any person or group found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performing unauthorised security duties outside recognised Federal agencies shall be treated as an armed non-state actor.

He said that such persons will be swiftly neutralized, arrested, and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

He said that the police was resolute that under no circumstance would criminality be permitted to masquerade as political expression.

He noted that “the peace of Anambra is not negotiable, and the integrity of this election will not be compromised.”

He said while the security personnel would professional, electoral offences would be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct.

“Offences such as ballot snatching, vote-buying, thuggery, or voter intimidation are felonies under the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Officers are under strict instruction to effect immediate arrests based on prima facie evidence and to ensure diligent prosecution through the Electoral Offences Desks (EODs) already activated across the State,” he said.

The IGP added that specialised Cybercrime Units had also been deployed to monitor, trace, and counter digital misinformation, fake news, and coordinated online propaganda aimed at disrupting public peace or discrediting the process.

“Those who weaponise misinformation to incite violence will be traced, apprehended, and prosecuted under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act,” Egbetokun said.

Egbetokun said that the NPF had adequately activated a strong multi-layered deployment plan under the unified command structure of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure presence, deterrence, and quick response across all 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra.

He said while NPF would deploy its personnel to cover all 4,608 polling units, ensuring voter safety, ballot integrity, and the protection of election officials, the Armed Forces and other security agencies would provide the needed support.

Egbetokun also warned that no political appointee, candidate, or VIP would be permitted to move with armed escorts or security aides to polling or collation centres.

He said that only accredited INEC officials, election observers, and journalists may move freely between designated areas, noting that party agents and security personnel must remain within their assigned jurisdictions.

“Campaigning, partisan display, or any act capable of causing provocation within the vicinity of polling units is prohibited.

“Possession of any weapon or instrument of intimidation will attract immediate arrest,” he said.

Egbetokun called on all political parties, candidates, and campaign managers to be law abiding saying the responsibility for peace rests heavily upon you.

He said that the Police would hold political leadership directly accountable for the conduct of their supporters.

He advised traditional, religious, and community leaders, to use their moral authority to dissuade youth from being instruments of political violence and to strengthen community vigilance against divisive rhetoric.

He also advised the good people of Anambra to exercise their right to vote freely and fearlessly on the election day, saying “we shall protect your lives, your votes, and your voices.”(NAN)