IG Warns Political Thugs: Don’t Test Security Forces Ahead of Anambra Election

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has warned political thugs and troublemakers not to challenge security agencies or attempt to disrupt the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

Egbetokun issued the warning in Abuja on Tuesday during the Cleen Foundation’s 2025 Anambra Governorship Election Security Threat Assessment Dissemination. Represented by Acting Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, from the Force Operations Department, the IGP vowed that security operatives would not tolerate any act capable of compromising the integrity of the poll.

He urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to abide by electoral laws and the peace accord they signed, warning that any violation would attract strict legal consequences.

“We have made all necessary arrangements to provide adequate security at INEC offices, for officials, observers, and all law-abiding citizens,” Egbetokun said.
“Anybody who breaches or tries to cause any problem, the law will actually be applied on the person or persons.”

The police chief assured Nigerians that security agencies were fully prepared to ensure a peaceful, credible election, adding that any individual or group attempting to disrupt the process would be swiftly arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.

Also speaking at the event, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, represented by ACG of Operations, David Ojelabi, cautioned voters against unruly behavior and urged them to conduct themselves peacefully at polling units.

The Cleen Foundation said the updated Security Threat Assessment (STA) was aimed at helping security agencies strengthen operational strategies and promote safe, credible elections. The report identified emerging security risks driven by public mistrust in security neutrality and coordination lapses, while recommending retraining on neutrality, de-escalation, and human-rights-based policing.

Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has deployed monitoring teams across the three senatorial districts of Anambra to oversee police conduct during the election.

The PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), warned that police officers on election duty must maintain professionalism, neutrality, and discipline. He emphasized that the Anambra poll should serve as a test case for the police ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Argungu praised the state command’s preparation, particularly the efforts of Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu, who has toured flashpoints and area commands to assess readiness.

He added that officers demonstrating professionalism would be commended, while those found wanting would face sanctions.

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