The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended five suspected fake private security operatives and seized a pump-action rifle during a coordinated operation in Awka, ahead of the November 8 governorship election in the state.
Speaking while parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, the state Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the arrests were made following credible intelligence reports.
He said the suspects, identified as Mmeka Ekene (43), Peter Kelvin (28), Sunday Idiong (45), Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu (26), and Francis Nwosu (28), were arrested during raids conducted on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, around 11:00 a.m., across several hotels and grocery stores in the state capital.
“In a bid to rid Anambra State of individuals masquerading as private security operatives, the NSCDC, Anambra State command, has apprehended five suspected illegal private security operatives and recovered a pump action rifle during a series of raids conducted in Awka,” Olatunde said.
He explained that the operation was launched after intelligence revealed that persons wearing security uniforms were being deployed by political actors to foment trouble during the forthcoming governorship election.
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“The raids conducted across various hotels and grocery stores in Awka on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at about 11:00 hours 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,” he stated.
The commandant added that the operation was designed to “flush out undesirable elements, criminal gangs, and irredentists, prevent emerging security threats, curb illegal possession of firearms, and stop any form of violence or intimidation likely to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.”
Reassuring residents of the corps’ readiness to ensure a safe electoral process, Olatunde said that “we are resolute in our commitment to providing a secure environment for the conduct of the forthcoming governorship election, slated for November 8, 2025.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Anambra State remains peaceful and secure.”
He further disclosed that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
