Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has warned political thugs ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election not to undermine security or compromise the credibility of the exercise.

Mr Egbetokun gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja at the Cleen Foundation 2025 Anambra Governorship Election Security Threat Assessment (STA) Dissemination.

The IGP, represented by the acting commissioner of police, Umar Hadejia, from the operations department, vowed that security agencies would not tolerate any act capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.

Mr Egbetokun also cautioned political parties, their candidates, and supporters to strictly adhere to electoral rules, particularly the provisions of the peace accord they signed, warning that any breach would attract decisive sanctions.

“We assure you that with the security arrangements that have been placed, we are very optimistic that the election will be conducted devoid of any incident.

“Anybody who breaches or tries to cause any problem, the law will actually be applied on the person or persons,” he said.

Mr Egbetokun warned that anyone caught attempting to disrupt the electoral process would be promptly arrested, thoroughly investigated, and prosecuted.

The commandant general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, represented by the ACG of operations, David Ojelabi, also cautioned the electorate against any form of disorderly conduct during the election.

“We have been planning, training, and engaging with stakeholders, and I am confident that when we converge in Anambra, we will work together to ensure a peaceful election,” he said.

Salaudeen Hashim, director of programmes at Cleen Foundation, said the organisation’s Security Threat Assessment (STA) being disseminated was designed to support security agencies in strengthening their operational strategies and ensuring safe and credible elections.

“This updated assessment is intended to guide stakeholders in preventing violence, strengthening accountability, and identifying security risks that could threaten the credibility and safety of the election.

“Our findings indicate a high likelihood of pre-election violence, which requires urgent and proactive measures to mitigate risks.

“Security concerns remain the most significant threat ahead of the Anambra 2025 election, driven largely by distrust in the neutrality of security personnel and identified coordination gaps,” he said.

Mr Hashim recommended retraining security personnel on neutrality, de-escalation, and human rights-based policing.

He also called for the establishment and effective use of public complaint mechanisms, urging security agencies to remain impartial, accountable, and professional throughout the process.

He further encouraged the media to counter misinformation, promote factual reporting, and exercise moderation in their coverage to avoid inflaming tensions.

(NAN)