The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Benjamin Okolo has credited the strategic deployment of security personnel, advanced surveillance measures, and the guidance of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for the largely peaceful conduct of the ongoing Anambra governorship election.
In an interview with Saturday Sun at the command headquarters on Thursday night, DIG Okolo praised the leadership of the IGP for the smooth coordination of security across the state.
“The arrangements put in place under the guidance of the IGP have been excellent. His directives ensured that all agencies performed effectively, and this has contributed immensely to the peace we are witnessing,” he said.
He added that the police and other security agencies have maintained strict oversight of the process, ensuring voters could exercise their franchise without fear. “Overall, the process has remained very peaceful, and voters have conducted themselves very well. The police and other security agencies have also performed admirably,” he said.
Highlighting the role of pre-election operations in sensitive areas, DIG Okolo was asked about Ihiala, considered a flashpoint for IPOB activity where violence was anticipated.
“It remained very peaceful. I think this was largely due to the clearance operations carried out there before the election, which contributed significantly to the success we observed. The election was very peaceful in Ihiala,” he noted.
On arrests across the state, the DIG stated: “It is difficult to say at this moment, as collation is still ongoing. There have been minor infractions, such as breaches of the no-movement regulations, but those will simply be addressed locally. Once collation is complete, we will have a clearer picture.”
DIG Okolo also explained that security coverage was organised in phases, from the movement of election materials and personnel to polling units, through voting, and finally to collation centres.
“We anticipated some challenges, particularly during collation—from polling units to ward collation centres, and then to local government and INEC headquarters. Security measures have been realigned to cover all these phases,” he said.
On whether security arrangements would continue after the election results, he emphasised: “Security is in place before, during, and after the election. The current architecture will stand down only when the Inspector General of Police gives the order.”
Addressing concerns about the conduct of officers, DIG Okolo said: “No, there have been no reports. Our personnel have behaved professionally and exemplarily. There has been no report from any polling unit, local government, or ward of misconduct by police, military, or other officers involved in the assignment.”
The DIG also spoke on the visible air and drone surveillance over the past two days. “The essence of a show of force, whether through air surveillance or ground presence, is to demonstrate authority, which often acts as a deterrent. It has contributed positively to the success of the election, regardless of cost. We also deploy drones in some areas, not just for presence but for surveillance and monitoring,” he said.
Regarding the issue of vote buying, DIG Okolo clarified: “I’m not sure what you mean by whether it’s under our policy. The EFCC is responsible for financial offences, and we enforce all laws generally.
“In this instance, no arrests have been made by the police so far. As I mentioned earlier, we are still collecting reports from all local governments, and at the end of the day, we will have a complete picture.”
