The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has apprehended five illegal private security operatives suspected of being hired by political actors to cause chaos.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, in a statement on Wednesday, said the corps also recovered a pump-action rifle during a series of raids conducted in Awka on Tuesday.
“The raids conducted across various hotels and grocery stores were based on credible intelligence indicating the presence of individuals dressed in attire resembling that of a security outfit who may have been hired by political actors with the intention of utilising them to cause chaos during the election,” the Corps said.
The arrested suspects include: Mmeka Ekene, male, aged 43; Peter Detuchi Kelvin, male, aged 28; Sunday Akpan Idiong, male, aged 45; Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu, male, aged 26; and Francis Ugochukwu Nwosu, male, aged 28.
The NSCDC State helmsman said the operation, carried out by the Private Guard Companies Department was aimed at flushing out undesirable elements, criminal gangs, and irredentists, preventing emerging security threats, curbing illegal possession of firearms, and stopping any form of violence or intimidation likely to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
“We are resolute in our commitment to providing a secure environment for the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election, slated for November 8, 2025. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Anambra State remains peaceful and secure,” he said.
He also emphasised that the command will ot be swayed by the tactics of individuals pretending to be private security operatives in a bid to disrupt the electoral process in the state as it will continue to enhance its robust security measures to stay ahead of individuals suspected of being used as political thugs.
“The Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will take all necessary measures within its operational guidelines to counter and suppress any act that could potentially destabilise the peace enjoyed in the state.”
He also mentioned that strengthened surveillance and enhanced intelligence gathering have been implemented by the command to thwart any attempts by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to compromise the electoral process.
“The arrested suspects are currently being interrogated and will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation,” the statement said.
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