The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has banned members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group and other local security outfits from participating in election duties during the forthcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election.
The directive was announced by CP Orutugu on Tuesday during a statewide engagement tour on election security.
Opposition political parties have raised concerns about the active involvement of the Agunechemba operatives during the bye-elections held earlier this year in Onitsha North Constituency One and the Anambra South Senatorial zone.
The fear is that the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, may deploy them to suppress opposition during the November 8 election.
But during a meeting with key community stakeholders, including the President General of Ihiala Community, Hon. Henry Omatu, the Commander of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, Chief A.K. Ilobi, the Youth President, Prince Chimezie Ezerioha, the representatives of the Local Government Chairman, and officers under the Area Command, Orutugu warned that vigilante operatives must stay away from polling units and not be seen in uniform near any election area.
“Every Agunechemba member should stay away from polling units. You are citizens like everyone else, vote peacefully and go home. From 6 p.m. on the eve of the election, no vigilante should appear in uniform near any polling station,” the CP warned.
He stressed that election security remains the constitutional duty of the Nigeria Police Force and other statutory agencies, not community-based groups.
While commending the gradual return of peace to Ihiala, Orutugu acknowledged existing logistical challenges and assured improved police presence and support.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to a peaceful and credible election.
In response, Chief Ilobi described the CP’s visit as timely, noting that although normalcy is returning, the police need more vehicles and infrastructure to sustain the gains.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines—112 or 07039194332.
