IGP overhauls security apparatus ahead of Nov 6

Deploys Egbunike to coordinate election duties
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered a major overhaul of the security apparatus in Anambra State ahead of the November 6, 2021 gubernatorial elections in the state.

The overhauling, according to Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, includes the deployment of seasoned strategic commanders from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police and above to Anambra for effective supervision of security personnel and operations in the elections.

Baba noted that Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Joseph Egbunike, had been deployed to the state as coordinator of the security component for the poll.

According to a statement by the FPRO yesterday, Egbunike is saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the Operation Order evolved from the Election Security Threat Assessment, to ensure a peaceful environment devoid of violence and conducive enough to guarantee that law-abiding citizens freely perform their civic responsibilities without molestation or intimidation.

He stated: “DIG Egbunike will be assisted by the DIG in-charge of Operations, Acting DIG, Zaki Ahmed. Other strategic commanders deployed to Anambra include five Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), 14 Commissioners of Police (CPs), 31 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and 48 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).

“The senior officers are to coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three senatorial districts, 21 local councils and 5,720 polling units in Anambra.”

The IGP reassured the nation of the force’s adequate preparedness for the November 6 election in Anambra, reiterating that the force would do everything within its powers and work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all stakeholders to protect democratic values, provide level-playing field for all political actors, ensure adequate protection of voters, INEC personnel and equipment, accredited observers and other key players in the state.

Calling on Anambra citizens to come out en masse and exercise their franchise, the IGP assured that adequate security had been emplaced to protect them before, during and after the elections.

A total of 34,587 personnel would be deployed for the November 6 election, he had disclosed, pledging that the high command was prepared to ensure violence-free election in the state.

He warned miscreants and political gladiators, who would want to adopt undemocratic and illegal means to achieve their aspirations, to bury such thoughts and leave the state in their own interest.