Anambra Elections: IGP Deploys 26,000 Police To Maintain Security

Idris said he authorized an additional 21,000 police officers to join another 5000 personnel already stationed in the state.

He said the deployment of the officers was to ensure the conduct of a hitch-free polls and guarantee security of lives and property both before and after the elections.

The number one cop also announced that three commissioners of police including Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs) had been deployed to the state ahead of the Saturday elections.

He also added that three helicopters, some gunboats have been deployed for both air and water surveillance to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of the poll.

He said the Deputy Inspector General of Police DIGP( Operations) would directly oversee security operations in the state as the field commander.

In addition, he said, all Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders were swapped to avoid familiarity with political actors and maintain neutrality during the elections.

He explained that the three CP’s would oversee each of the operational zones in the state to ensure tight security both during and after the elections.

He assured that the police would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the security of lives and property during the polls.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, said the purpose of the meeting was to sensitize the electorate on the need for violence- free polls.

He pledged the commissions’ resolve for free, credible and transparent electoral process.

” We will be unbiased in the conduct of this election, we will ensure its conduct is transparent, credible and free,” Yakubu pledged.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all political parties in the state including their flag bearers for the election attended the meeting.