Guber Election: IGP To Flood Anambra With 34,587 Policemen

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has promised to deploy over 34,000 personnel to Anambra State ahead of the November 6 governorship election.

The police boss added that three helicopters will also be deployed for surveillance during the election in addition to speed boats, security dogs and other operational assets.

Baba, in a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, disclosed these in a meeting with various Police Commissioners and Heads of Formations in Abuja.

The IGP assured Anambra residents and Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force will ensure the conduct of a peaceful election in the state.

He stated that the police are collaborating with sister agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a credible, free and fair election.

The statement reads: “The IGP noted that the Force has conducted an Election Security Threat Analysis as part of preparations for the Elections and also developed a Strategic Election Security Operational plan to stabilize the prevailing security situation in Anambra State. These actions are aimed at creating a conducive and enabling environment that will guarantee the peaceful conduct of the elections.

“The IGP further noted that the 34,587 personnel, comprising conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces personnel, Explosives Ordinance Unit (EOD), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), INTERPOL, Special Protection Unit (SPU) as well as Police Medical Teams, will be on the ground to guarantee a hitch-free election.

“In addition, three Police helicopters will be deployed for aerial surveillance amongst other unique operational capabilities.

“The IGP has equally charged the Commissioners of Police in the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police to return to their Commands and strengthen the security architecture therein especially as the year gradually winds down and the Yuletide season draws closer.

“The IGP also directed the Strategic Commanders to evolve proactive anti-crime approaches to enable the Force to stay ahead against any anticipated security threats to the lives and property of the citizenry.”