The Nigerian Police has warned non-state actors including state-owned vigilante group, Ebube-Agu, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Eastern Security Network, ESN, to stay away from the upcoming November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented DIG Ben Okoro, gave the warning during the signing of the National Peace Accord at International Conference Centre, ICC, Awka, the state capital, ahead of the Saturday’s election.
He maintained that the provision of security during the governorship election is solely the responsibility of federal agents.
The police warned that any individual or group caught bearing arms to
obstruct lawful voting or undermine the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will be matched with decisive force.
“Any attempt by IPOB, ESN or any other non-state actor to interfere with the forthcoming election shall invite an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response,” the police warned.
“Precision targeted intelligence operations are already active to identify, isolate and dismantle any network or individual floating acts of intimidation, of violence the Nigerian state will respond firmly, lawfully and conclusively. The peace of Anambra State shall not be negotiated.
“Furthermore, any person or 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.
“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.
“Electoral offenses will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct. Offenses such as ballot snatching, vote buying or voter intimidation, are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022.
“Officers are under strict instruction to effect immediate arrest based on first 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 cyber crime units are deployed to monitor, trace and counter a digital misinformation, fake news and coordinated online propaganda aimed at destructing public peace or discrediting the process.
“The following Election Day protocols are binding and enforceable under federal law. VIP movement: No political appointee, candidate of VIP is permitted to move with armed escorts or security aids to polling or coalition centers.
“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.
“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 Nigerian police force will hold political leadership directly, directly accountable for the conduct of their supporters.”
Anambra election, EBUBE AGU, ESN, IPOB, police,
