The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested five suspected illegal private security operatives in Awka, the state capital.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde disclosed this on Wednesday while parading the suspects at the State Command Headquarters, Awka.
He said the suspects were apprehended during series of raids conducted by operatives of the Command.
According to him, a pump-action rifle was recovered during the operation targeted at ridding the State of individuals masquerading as private security operatives.
Maku added that the arrested suspects are currently being interrogated and will be charged after investigation.
He said, “The raids conducted in Awka on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at about 11 00 hrs 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 utilizing them to cause chaos during the election.
“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,” he said.
Maku noted that the operation, carried out by the Private Guard Companies Department, aimed to curb security threats, illegal possession of firearms, and prevent any form of violence or intimidation likely to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
He said the command remains resolute in its commitment to providing a secure environment for the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election, slated for November 8, 2025.
While reassuring the Command’s readiness not to be swayed by tactics of individuals pretending to be private security operatives in a bid to disrupt the electoral process in the state, Maku pledged continued enhancement of the Command’s 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 destabilize the peace enjoyed in the state.
“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,” he added.
