Anambra Governorship Election: Police Warn IPOB, ESN, Ebube-Agu to Stay Away or Face ‘Decisive Force’

The Nigerian Police Force has issued a stern warning to non-state actors, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), its armed wing the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and the state-backed vigilante group Ebube-Agu, to steer clear of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Ben Okoro, gave the warning at the signing of the National Peace Accord held at the International Conference Centre, Awka.

He made it clear that only federal security agencies have the legal mandate to provide security during the election, emphasizing that any attempt by unauthorized groups to interfere with the process would be met with “an immediate, coordinated, and overwhelming law enforcement response.”

“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,” he said.

Egbetokun warned that anyone found bearing arms, intimidating voters, or performing unauthorized security duties would be treated as an armed threat and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, Criminal Code, and Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

The IGP disclosed that precision intelligence operations are already underway to identify and dismantle any networks planning violence or intimidation before or during the election.

“Such persons shall be swiftly neutralized, arrested, and prosecuted… this remains an operational red line that will be enforced without hesitation,” he declared.

The police also announced a “zero-tolerance enforcement protocol” to ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, warning that offenses such as vote-buying, ballot snatching, and voter intimidation will be treated as serious crimes against national security.

Egbetokun further outlined strict election-day protocols: no VIP or political candidate will be allowed to move with armed escorts or security aides; only accredited INEC officials, observers, and journalists will have unrestricted movement; and campaigning or provocative displays near polling units are strictly prohibited.

He added that cybercrime units have been deployed to counter misinformation, fake news, and online propaganda aimed at disrupting public peace or discrediting the election.

“The responsibility for peace rests heavily on political parties, candidates, and their campaign managers. The police will hold political leadership directly accountable for the conduct of their supporters,” he warned.

The Anambra governorship election is expected to draw national attention amid concerns over security and political tension in the South-East.