Anambra Guber Poll: Police deploy Tactical Teams, Drones, Helicopters

The Nigeria Police Force has deployed tactical teams, helicopters, and drones to Anambra State as part of heightened security measures ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the deployment was approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure safety and a hitch-free election.

“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 statement read.

According to Ikenga, the reinforcement includes additional manpower and advanced technical support, with helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance.

Receiving the tactical units in Awka, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General for his continued support and commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.

He explained that the aerial surveillance would complement existing land patrols by tactical teams, intelligence operatives, and special police squads deployed across the 21 local government areas.

Orutugu added that the use of helicopters and surveillance drones would allow real-time monitoring of key locations, border communities, and potential flashpoints, while ground teams would maintain active patrols and checkpoints across the state.

He assured residents of the police command’s readiness to work closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to maintain peace, law, and order before, during, and after the election.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel by promptly reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines: 07039194332 or 08039334002.

Orutugu reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment where citizens can exercise their rights freely without fear or intimidation during the election period.