The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba has ordered the immediate deployment of senior police officers in efforts to Anambra State in efforts to reshuffle the security architecture ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November 6, 2021. Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba made this known in a statement titled "Anambra election: IGP overhauls security landscape ahead of poll." in Abuja, saying the redeployment was to ensure peace during the governorship election.
“DIG 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.”
“Egbunike will be assisted by the DIG in-charge of Operations, Acting DIG Zaki Ahmed. Other strategic commanders deployed in Anambra State include five Assistant Inspectors -General of Police, 14 Commissioners of Police, 31 Deputy Commissioners of Police and 48 Assistant Commissioners of Police.
“The senior officers are to coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three Senatorial Districts, 21 Local Government Areas and the 5,720 polling units in Anambra State.”
The redeployment of police personnel to Anambra State comes after threats of sit-at-home protest by the Indigenous People of Biafra to disrupt the election over the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
However, the IGP has assured electorates of adequate security during and after the election process, urging them to come out and exercise their franchise.
“The IGP reassures the nation that the force is adequately prepared for the gubernatorial election in Anambra State come November 6, 2021.
“He reiterates that the force will do everything within its powers to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission 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 Anambra State.”