By Okey Maduforo Awka
A major reassignment of Divisional Police Officers has hit the Anambra Police Command ahead of the Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 by elections in the state .
Consequent upon this development, Police Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu has warned officers and men of the Command to avoid unprofessional acts that would compromise the electoral process noting that defaulters would surely be brought to book.
Orutugu further warned political parties participating in the Saturday elections to conduct themselves within the ambits of the law and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The reassignment according to Orutugu is aimed at guaranteeing neutrality during the election to ensure that the votes of the electorates count at the end of the day.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga it stated that ;
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD, today 13th August 2025, ordered the reassignment of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across strategic locations in the State ahead of the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 Constituency bye-elections”
“This proactive measure is aimed at reinforcing police neutrality, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring maximum security before, during, and after the polls.”
Ikenga reiterated that the Command is poised towards safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral processes and the safety of voters, election officials, and electoral materials respectively”
“The Commissioner of Police stressed that all officers deployed for election duties must discharge their responsibilities with the highest level of professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law”
“He warned that any breach of the Police Code of Conduct or acts capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the election will attract strict disciplinary measures”
“The Command further urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to cooperate with security agencies and refrain from any actions that may incite violence or disrupt the electoral process. Voters are encouraged to come out peacefully and exercise their civic rights without fear of intimidation”
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its duty to provide a safe and secure environment for free, fair, and credible elections in Anambra State”the release stated .
