Anambra Governorship Election: Police Deploy Helicopters, Drones to Boost Security Ahead of November 8 Poll

The Nigeria Police Force has intensified security operations across Anambra State, deploying helicopters, drones, and tactical teams to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free governorship election scheduled for November 8.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka, noting that the deployment is part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen security across all 21 local government areas.

“As part of ongoing efforts to guarantee safety and ensure a hitch-free governorship election in Anambra, the Police Command has received the Force Headquarters Advance Tactical Teams deployed to reinforce the security architecture across the state,” Ikenga said.

He explained that the operation was approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, under a strategic operational framework designed to enhance local policing efforts with advanced aerial and technical support, including surveillance helicopters and drones.

CP Orutugu: Aerial Patrols to Complement Ground Operations

While receiving the teams in Awka, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, expressed gratitude to the IGP for his continued support and commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.

He said the newly deployed assets would complement ongoing ground patrols, intelligence operations, and rapid-response activities already in place across the state.

“The aerial surveillance will support tactical units and intelligence operatives strategically deployed across the 21 LGAs. This combined effort will enhance visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and rapid response to emerging threats,” the CP said.

Orutugu noted that the helicopters and drones would provide real-time monitoring of critical areas, including border communities and known flashpoints, while ground units maintain robust patrols and checkpoints to deter criminal activity.

Police Urge Public Cooperation

Reaffirming the command’s readiness to work closely with other security agencies, the CP urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement officers by promptly reporting suspicious movements.

“We encourage residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of the police. Suspicious persons or activities should be reported immediately through our emergency hotlines — 07039194332 or 08039334002,” Orutugu advised.

He assured the public that the police would guarantee safety before, during, and after the election, ensuring that citizens can freely exercise their voting rights without fear or intimidation.

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