The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has warned non-state actors, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to stay away from Saturday’s Anambra governorship election, cautioning that any attempt to disrupt the exercise will be met with decisive force.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Egbetokun issued the warning yesterday in Awka during the signing of the National Peace Accord by political parties and candidates.

He also cautioned the Ebube Agu vigilante group and other unauthorised security outfits against participating in election-related activities, stressing that election security remains the exclusive responsibility of federal security agencies.

“Any attempt by IPOB, ESN, or any other non-state actor to interfere with the election shall invite an immediate, coordinated, and overwhelming response,” the IGP declared. “The peace of Anambra State shall not be negotiated.”

Egbetokun warned that anyone found bearing arms or performing security duties without authorisation would be treated as an armed non-state actor and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

He said the police had activated a zero-tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act, adding that offences such as ballot snatching, vote buying, and voter intimidation would attract immediate arrest and prosecution. Officers, he noted, had been instructed to process electoral offenders swiftly through the Electoral Offences Desk.

The IGP also disclosed that specialised cybercrime units had been deployed to counter fake news, misinformation, and online propaganda capable of inciting violence before or during the polls.

He further announced that on election day, no political appointee, candidate, or VIP would be permitted to move around with armed escorts. Only INEC-accredited officials, observers, and journalists will have clearance to move between designated areas. Campaigning or partisan displays near polling units, he added, would remain strictly prohibited.

“The responsibility for peace rests heavily on political leaders,” Egbetokun said. “The police will hold them accountable for the conduct of their supporters.”

At the same event, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by General Martin Luther Agwai, urged political actors to prioritize human life and the stability of democracy.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. He disclosed that 24,000 personnel would be deployed across 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas, with 2.8 million registered voters and 16 political parties participating.