The Nigeria Police Force warned against any attempt by the Indigenous People of Biafra, its militant arm the Eastern Security Network, or any other non-state actor to interfere with the Anambra state election, as 16 political parties and their candidates signed the peace accord for the Anambra governorship polls on Monday.
The NPF states that such an attempt “shall invite an immediate, coordinated, and overwhelming law enforcement response.”
This was stated by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as represented by Deputy Inspector General Ben Okoro, at the signing of the peace accord in Awka.
The Inspector General of Police emphasized that the Nigerian Police conducted precision-targeted intelligence operations to identify, isolate, and demolish any network or individual involved in intimidation or violence during or after the election.
This was according to speeches by the IG at the Peace Accord ceremony in Anambra on Monday.
While issuing the warning that the peace of Anambra State was not negotiable, the IG further stated that “any person of the group found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performing unauthorized security duties outside recognized federal agencies shall be treated as an armed non-state actor.”
The police also warned, “Such persons shall be swiftly neutralized, arrested, and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022. This remains an operational red line that will be enforced without hesitation.”
“The Nigerian Police Force has activated the zero-tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure total compliance with the Electoral Act and related laws. Our professionalism will be matched by decisiveness, our execution by precision. Electoral offenses will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct.
“Offenses such as ballot snatching, vote buying, and voter intimidation are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022. Officers are under strict instructions to effect immediate arrests based on prima facie evidence and to ensure diligent prosecution through the electoral offenses desk already activated across the state. The objective is simple: to deter misconduct through swift and exemplary enforcement.
“In addition, specialized cybercrime units are deployed to monitor, trace, and counter digital misinformation, fake news, and coordinated online propaganda aimed at disrupting public peace or discrediting the process.”
The police further added, “Those who weaponize misinformation to incite violence will be traced, apprehended, and prosecuted under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.”
“The following Election Day protocols are binding and enforceable under federal law. One: VIP movement—no political appointee, candidate, or VIP is permitted to move with armed escorts or security aids to polling or collation centers. Two: Personnel mobility—only accredited INEC officials, election observers, and journalists may move freely between designated areas.
“Party agents and security personnel must remain within their signed jurisdictions. Three: Prohibited conduct—campaigning, partisan display, or any act capable of causing provocation within the vicinity of polling units is prohibited.
“Possession of any weapon or instrument of intimidation will attract immediate arrest. To all political parties, candidates, and campaign managers, the responsibility for peace rests heavily upon you.”
The IG added, “The Nigerian Police Force will hold political leadership directly accountable for the conduct of their supporters. Campaign with honor; persuade rather than provoke. True violence is illegitimate and unsustainable. To our traditional religious and community leaders, your moral authority remains vital.
“Use it to dissuade our youth from becoming instruments of political violence and to strengthen community vigilance against divisive rhetoric.
“Finally, to the good people of Anambra State, the Nigerian Police Force stands before you as the shield of the Constitution.”
Earlier, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, was represented by Lt. Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), who reminded the candidates and their parties that their commitment to the peace accord “is not in words only, but it is a duty that calls for discipline, honor, and responsibility.”
He urged INEC to guarantee that the election was credible, security agencies to protect rather than intimidate, and traditional institutions to provide correct guidance.
Agwai further said, “Leadership is not only in seeking it but in safeguarding peace and ensuring that no life is put at risk. To INEC, we urge continued transparency and readiness because the trust of the people rests greatly on your conduct.
“To the IGP and all security agencies, we appeal for professionalism, impartiality, and calm assurance.
“The purpose of security is to protect and not to intimidate. To our respected traditional rulers and religious leaders, we recognize your role as custodians of wisdom and unity. Your voices of guidance will be needed to uphold peace within our communities.
“To the media, we appeal for reporting that informs and builds understanding, not reporting that instills fear or division.”
