ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: POLICE INTENSIFY AIR SURVEILLANCE AS REPORTS OF VOTER INFLUENCE EMERGE IN NTEJE
Awka, Anambra State — The Nigeria Police Force has stepped up air surveillance operations across Anambra State to reinforce security ahead of the November 8 governorship election. The operation forms part of a comprehensive security strategy aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible poll.
According to a statement by SP Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, the aerial patrols are being coordinated with ground troops, marine units, and tactical teams deployed to key areas.
The air surveillance teams, he said, are tasked with monitoring movement patterns, detecting suspicious activities, and relaying real-time intelligence to ground commanders for swift response.
“The Force remains neutral, professional, and committed to protecting all citizens, electoral officials, observers, and materials throughout the election period,” Tochukwu stated.
“We assure residents that all measures have been put in place to guarantee the sanctity of the ballot and ensure every eligible voter exercises their civic right without fear or intimidation.”
Meanwhile, at Odubo Polling Unit 006, Nteje, reports indicate a heavy security presence, though allegations of voter influence by political party agents persisted.
Party representatives were allegedly seen whispering to voters near the booths and urging them to display their ballot papers after voting — a practice suspected to be tied to financial inducement.
Despite the presence of security operatives, eyewitnesses said officers appeared passive, observing without intervening.
As of 11:15 a.m., voting was ongoing with a long queue of determined voters, as the atmosphere remained tense but orderly.
Election monitors have urged the authorities to enforce stricter compliance with electoral laws at polling units and ensure that security neutrality is maintained throughout the exercise.
