The Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja has dispatched tactical teams, helicopters, and drones to Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election, as part of heightened security arrangements to guarantee safety and a seamless electoral process.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
He explained that the deployment was part of the ongoing measures to strengthen security architecture across Anambra, in line with the strategic operational plan approved by the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
“As part of ongoing efforts to guarantee safety and ensure a hitch-free governorship election in Anambra, the Police Command in the state has received the Force Headquarters Advance Tactical Teams deployed to strengthen the security architecture across the state.
“The deployment, approved by the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Kayode Egbetokun, is in line with the police strategic operational plan to reinforce local formations with additional manpower and advanced technical support, including helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance,” he said.
Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu, while receiving the teams in Awka, lauded the I-G for his steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
According to him, the aerial surveillance initiative will work in tandem with existing land patrols by tactical units, intelligence operatives, and special squads strategically positioned across Anambra’s 21 local government areas.
He further stated that the joint efforts of the command and tactical operatives would boost visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and swift response to any emerging security threats.
Oturugu added that the deployment of helicopters and surveillance drones would facilitate real-time monitoring of key locations, border communities, and potential flashpoints.
He also noted that ground operatives would maintain continuous patrols and checkpoint operations across the state’s 21 LGAs.
Reaffirming the command’s preparedness to collaborate with other security agencies and stakeholders, Orutugu assured residents of the police’s unwavering determination to maintain peace and order before, during, and after the election.
He urged the public to remain calm and alert, and to assist security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police station or via the command’s hotlines: 07039194332 or 08039334002.
The commissioner reiterated the police command’s firm commitment to ensuring a safe environment where law-abiding citizens can carry out their daily activities without fear or intimidation.
