The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that any form of violence or disruption during the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election will attract a “firm and decisive response” from the security agencies.
Ribadu gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja, during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Represented by the Director of Internal Security at the office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, Ribadu said the federal government has put in place robust and comprehensive security arrangements to guarantee a peaceful, free, and credible election in the state.
“As we prepare for the Anambra State governorship election on November 8, 2025, we have put in place enhanced surveillance, sufficient deployment of security personnel, and improved intelligence gathering to prevent any attempt by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the electoral process,” Ribadu stated.
Read also:
- Buhari meets service chiefs, ministers over rising insecurity
- WAANSA hails NSA, NCCSALW for destroying illicit Arms as Nigeria battles kidnapping crisis
- Insecurity: NSA lists religious groups backing Boko Haram
He cautioned political actors to take full responsibility for maintaining peace, stressing that the government would not tolerate any form of violence or acts capable of destabilising the state.
“Any form of violence during the elections will be met with a strong, uncompromising response,” he warned.
The NSA added that security agencies, including the police, military, and paramilitary outfits, have been fully mobilised to protect voters, election officials, and electoral materials before, during, and after the polls.
Meanwhile, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness for the crucial election, saying all logistical and security preparations had been completed.
“With just 11 days to the Anambra governorship election, the commission is confident in affirming its full preparedness for the polls,” Prof. Amupitan said.
“We plan to deploy about 24,000 personnel, with voting taking place in 5,718 of the state’s 5,720 polling units.”
Prof. Amupitan also urged security agencies to maintain collaboration and ensure that the election environment remains peaceful and free from intimidation, vote-buying, or voter inducement.
“Security agents cannot afford to create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate. Together, let us combat vote-buying, uphold democratic values, and ensure credible elections,” he added.
The high-level meeting, which brought together representatives of the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), civil defence, and other key stakeholders, was part of ongoing efforts to guarantee a violence-free and transparent poll in Anambra State.
