As political tension begins to simmer in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has taken a decisive step by deploying one of the Force’s most seasoned officers, CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, to lead the security operations in the state.
The move, announced by the Anambra State Police Command on Tuesday, marks the beginning of a new security era as CP Shogunle assumes duty as Commissioner of Police in a state renowned for its vibrant political culture and high-stakes elections.
His deployment, according to the Command, is part of a well-structured national policing strategy approved by the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the coming election reflects transparency, peace, and credibility.
From the moment CP Shogunle took charge, his message was clear—Anambra’s election must not only be peaceful but must also set a new standard in democratic policing. His immediate action was to activate the IGP’s Enforcement Protocol for anti-electoral offences, signaling zero tolerance for vote-buying, ballot snatching, thuggery, and voter intimidation.
In a strong statement of intent, he also ordered the revitalization of the Electoral Offences Desk, now tasked with monitoring both physical and online activities that could undermine the electoral process. Social media, often a breeding ground for misinformation, will now be under close scrutiny by trained cybercrime experts.
CP Shogunle’s operational blueprint revolves around intelligence, technology, and trust. A central command framework has been established to ensure seamless coordination between all security units, allowing real-time information flow and rapid response to any emerging threat.
Under this plan, over 60,000 personnel drawn from the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) will be deployed across Anambra’s 5,720 polling units. Tactical teams are to hold strategic positions at inter-local government and interstate borders to forestall any infiltration or cross-border election interference.
The Command revealed that the Commissioner has already begun holding high-level security briefings with heads of sister agencies, ensuring that every officer involved in election duty understands both their mandate and the ethical standards expected of them.
One of CP Shogunle’s first major directives was a stern warning to vigilante outfits and quasi-security groups such as Agunechemba. He declared an absolute ban on their operations throughout the election period, insisting that only federal security agencies have constitutional authority to provide protection during national elections.
In what many observers see as a bold move to level the playing field, the new police chief also prohibited VIPs from entering polling or collation centers with armed escorts. According to him, the era of intimidation by political heavyweights must end if democracy is to thrive.
He warned that anyone found violating this directive, regardless of status or influence, would face arrest, immediate withdrawal of escorts, and prosecution. His words, firm and deliberate, underscored his resolve to make the Anambra poll a benchmark for electoral integrity.
For journalists, INEC officials, and accredited observers, CP Shogunle assured unrestricted movement across designated areas, promising full cooperation and protection as they carry out their legitimate duties.
Beyond the operational orders, the new police helmsman extended an olive branch to political actors, traditional rulers, and community leaders. He urged them to become partners in peace, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility.
“The police cannot do it alone,” he was quoted as saying. “We need the people’s cooperation to protect their votes, their voices, and their future.”
With just days to the crucial election, CP Abayomi Shogunle’s arrival has injected fresh confidence into Anambra’s security landscape. Whether his strategies will translate into one of the most peaceful elections in the state’s history remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the eyes of the nation are now on Anambra, and the police are taking no chances.
