The Anambra State Police Command has announced the deployment of helicopters, drones, and tactical squads across the state to ensure a peaceful and secure environment ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Awka on Sunday, saying the move was part of a comprehensive security plan approved by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
According to Orutugu, the IGP approved the deployment of Advance Tactical Teams from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, to reinforce local police formations and provide advanced technical support. The initiative, he explained, is aimed at preventing violence, deterring criminal elements, and guaranteeing voter safety before, during, and after the election.
“The aerial surveillance will complement ongoing land patrols by tactical units, intelligence operatives, and police special squads strategically deployed across all 21 local government areas of the state,” Orutugu stated.
He said the newly arrived tactical operatives would work closely with the state command to enhance visibility policing, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response to any emerging threats.
“The deployment of helicopters and surveillance drones will enable real-time monitoring of key locations, border communities, and flashpoints, while ground teams will maintain robust patrols and checkpoint operations,” he added.
The Police Commissioner assured residents that every part of Anambra State would be adequately covered, noting that both rural and urban areas would benefit from the improved security arrangements.
Orutugu expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his “unwavering support and commitment” to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state, particularly during a period of heightened political activity.
“We are determined to maintain peace and protect the electoral process. Every necessary resource is being mobilised to ensure that no individual or group disrupts the exercise,” he said.
The Commissioner urged political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and obey the law, warning that the police would not tolerate any act capable of jeopardizing public order or threatening the credibility of the election.
He further assured voters, electoral officials, and residents that the police were working closely with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), to coordinate efforts for effective security coverage.
The Anambra governorship election, scheduled to hold soon, has attracted significant attention given the state’s strategic importance in the South-East and its history of politically motivated violence during past polls. Security concerns have been heightened in recent years due to the activities of armed groups, including attacks on security formations and government institutions.
To address these challenges, the IGP had earlier directed all commands in the South-East to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance collaboration with local communities, and increase patrol visibility, particularly in areas regarded as high-risk zones.
Residents of Anambra have welcomed the new measures, with many expressing hope that the heavy security presence would discourage violence and allow voters to participate freely.
A community leader in Awka, Chief Emeka Nwosu, said the aerial surveillance plan was a welcome development. “We have seen elections in the past marred by fear and intimidation. With helicopters and drones watching over, it will be difficult for anyone to cause trouble unnoticed,” he said.
However, some civil society groups have urged the police to balance firmness with fairness, warning that excessive force could discourage voter turnout. A rights activist, Mrs. Chinyere Ogu, advised the security agencies to “focus on intelligence and community trust-building rather than just displaying might.”
Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner assured that officers deployed for election duty had received training on professional conduct, human rights, and rules of engagement. He stressed that any officer found engaging in misconduct or partisanship would face disciplinary action.
“Our focus is to secure lives and property, not to intimidate anyone. We urge citizens to cooperate with us and report any suspicious movement or activity promptly,” Orutugu said.
The police command also appealed to residents to go about their normal activities without fear, assuring that the state’s security architecture had been strengthened to respond swiftly to any threat before, during, and after the election.
