The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has deployed CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, as the new Commissioner of Police in charge of election duties in Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.According to a statement by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the deployment is part of the IGP’s strategic operational plan to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process across the state.Upon assumption of duty, CP Shogunle activated the IGP’s Enforcement Protocol against electoral offences, emphasising zero tolerance for ballot snatching, vote-buying, political thuggery, and voter intimidation. He also strengthened the Electoral Offences Desk to monitor social media activities and track cyber-related election crimes for prompt investigation and prosecution.To enhance security coordination, CP Shogunle has established a central command framework for real-time intelligence sharing and rapid response. Over 60,000 security personnel from agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) will be deployed across the 5,720 polling units, with tactical reserves positioned along inter-LGA and state boundaries, as well as designated collation centres.He reaffirmed the total ban on all vigilante and quasi-security groups, such as Agunechemba, stressing that only federally recognised security agencies are authorised to provide election security as stipulated by law.The Commissioner also warned that VIP movements with armed escorts or security aides around polling or collation centres are strictly prohibited. He said any violator will face immediate arrest, withdrawal of escorts, and prosecution. Only INEC officials, accredited observers, and journalists will be allowed unrestricted movement within designated areas.CP Shogunle urged political actors, community leaders, and voters to cooperate with the police and other security agencies to maintain peace before, during, and after the election.For inquiries or emergencies, the Commissioner can be reached on 0809-600-0079.
