Ahead of the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election scheduled for November 8, the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the arrest of five suspected illegal private security operatives and the recovery of a pump-action rifle.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this while parading the suspects — Mmeka Ekene (43), Peter Detuchi Kelvin (28), Sunday Akpan Idiong (45), Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu (26), and Francis Ugochukwu Nwosu (28) — at the Command Headquarters in Awka on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Commandant Olatunde revealed that the suspects were apprehended during a series of raids conducted across various hotels and grocery stores in Awka at about 11:00 hours on Tuesday, following credible intelligence indicating the presence of individuals dressed in attire resembling that of a security outfit.
He expressed concern that they might have been hired by political actors with the intention of causing chaos during the election.
The Commandant explained that 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 averting 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.
The Anambra NSCDC boss emphasised that the Command would not be swayed by individuals disguising as private security operatives in a bid to disrupt the electoral process, assuring that the Command will continue to strengthen its security measures to stay ahead of 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,” he remarked.
Commandant Olatunde reiterated that the Command has strengthened surveillance and enhanced intelligence gathering to thwart any attempts by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to compromise the electoral process.
He added that the suspects are currently being interrogated and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
