Awka, Anambra State — November 3, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a significant security upgrade in preparation for the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State, with the deployment of helicopters, drones and advanced tactical teams to bolster operations across all 21 local government areas. The decision was announced on Sunday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP †Tochukwu Ikenga, following directives from the Inspector General of Police (I-G) Kayode Egbetokun.
The move forms part of a broader security architecture endorsed by the Force Headquarters that integrates aerial surveillance with ground patrols, intelligence units, and rapid-response squadrons. “The deployment… is in line with the tactical plan to reinforce local formations with additional manpower and advanced technical support, including helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance,” the statement said.
At a formal reception in the state capital, Awka, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, welcomed the arrival of the Force Headquarters Advance Tactical Teams. He described the cooperation as timely and essential to securing the forthcoming poll. According to Orutugu:
“The aerial surveillance will complement ongoing land patrols by tactical units, intelligence operatives, and police special squads strategically deployed across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
These airborne and drone assets will target key locations, border communities and election-day hotspots, enabling live-feed monitoring and rapid deployment responses from the operational base in Awka. Local citizens have been encouraged to support the effort by reporting suspicious activity via hotlines (070 3919 4332, 080 3933 4002) provided by the command.
The security reinforcement comes amid concerns about electoral violence and irregularities in previous elections in the state. Analysts say the integration of aerial platforms marks a shift towards more advanced policing tactics in Nigeria’s elections, setting a higher standard for electoral security protocols.