The Nigeria Police Force has announced that the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Benjamin Okolo, fdc, has formally assumed duty as the Supervisory Officer over all police personnel deployed for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election.
DIG Okolo officially took charge on Thursday, November 6, 2025, following his earlier visit to the state on November 3, where he represented the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, during key pre-election engagements.
During the pre-election visit, DIG Okolo, alongside DIG Yakubu Kwazhi, mni, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, represented the IGP at the signing of the Peace Accord among political flag bearers and other stakeholders’ meetings.
According to the Force Headquarters, DIG Okolo’s primary responsibility is to oversee the operational framework, coordinate all field deployments, and ensure compliance with the Force’s Rules of Engagement throughout the election period.
The deployment is part of the strategic measures approved by the Inspector General of Police to guarantee a peaceful, credible, and professionally managed election in Anambra State.
The Police leadership has expressed confidence that the deployment of senior officers will reinforce discipline, accountability, and effectiveness during the exercise.
DIG Okolo is expected to lead from the front, ensuring that all police personnel carry out their duties in accordance with established operational guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the electoral process and upholding the rights of citizens throughout the election period.
The statement further emphasized that the Police will continue to safeguard law-abiding citizens and warned against any attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls. “All individuals and political actors are urged to conduct themselves in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
SP Ikenga noted that residents of Anambra State should remain calm and cooperate fully with police officers and other security operatives deployed across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Assisting DIG Okolo in the coordination of security operations are AIG Akoh Benedict Gabriel, and the Commissioner of Police for the Anambra Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi. They will work alongside other Commissioners of Police deployed to various local government areas and senior officers responsible for specialized tactical units.
The multi-layered deployment of personnel, according to the statement, is designed to ensure real-time communication, efficient logistics, and rapid response to any security challenges that may arise before, during, or after the election.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated that its operations would remain impartial and guided solely by professionalism, adding that no political party or candidate would receive preferential treatment under any circumstances.
DIG Okolo, who brings years of operational experience to the role, has assured residents of Anambra State that the Police will maintain a high level of vigilance and discipline throughout the election.
He also pledged to ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and electoral materials.
In the build-up to the polls, the Police have continued to hold joint security briefings and operational simulations with sister agencies, including the military, DSS, NSCDC, and FRSC, to ensure a coordinated and effective security network.
The statement concluded with a call for public cooperation and vigilance.
Members of the public were urged to report any suspicious activities or security concerns to the supervisory DIG through his official contact number: 08033299629.
