NSCDC arrests illegal security operatives in Anambra, seizes rifle during Awka raid to prevent political unrest ahead of the governorship election.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested five illegal security operatives in Anambra and recovered a pump-action rifle during a pre-election security raid in Awka.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the state ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.
According to him, the suspects were arrested during coordinated raids on hotels and business premises in the Awka metropolis around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Olatunde revealed that the arrests followed credible intelligence reports indicating that certain individuals were parading themselves as private security guards while allegedly working for political actors with plans to cause unrest before the election.
“In a determined effort to cleanse the state of impostors masquerading as private security operatives, the NSCDC has arrested five suspects and recovered a pump-action rifle,” he said.
“These individuals were found in suspicious locations, wearing uniforms similar to those of legitimate security personnel.”
The suspects, identified as Mmeka Ekene (43), Peter Detuchi Kelvin (28), Sunday Akpan Idiong (45), Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu (26), and Francis Ugochukwu Nwosu (28), were detained following the operation by the Private Guard Companies Department of the Corps.
Olatunde said the raid targeted unauthorized private security outfits and criminal elements who might be used to intimidate voters or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.
The NSCDC, he added, was committed to enforcing the law regulating private guard companies in Nigeria to ensure that only licensed and vetted personnel operate within Anambra State.
He stressed that the crackdown on illegal security operatives in Anambra was designed to prevent political thuggery, illegal possession of firearms, and any activities that could threaten the integrity of the forthcoming polls.
“We will not allow anyone to undermine the peace and stability of the state,” Olatunde warned.
“Any person or group found sponsoring, recruiting, or employing unauthorized private security guards will face the full wrath of the law.”
The Commandant noted that the NSCDC had reinforced surveillance networks and intensified intelligence gathering across the 21 local government areas of the state. According to him, the command is working closely with other security agencies to ensure a coordinated response to any potential security threats.
“We are enhancing collaboration with sister agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and INEC’s Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security,” he said.
“Our goal is to provide a safe and peaceful atmosphere for voters, electoral officers, and party representatives.”
He further explained that the NSCDC’s efforts were not limited to the election period but part of a long-term strategy to eliminate illegal security operatives in Anambra and restore public trust in legitimate security institutions.
Olatunde assured residents that the NSCDC would maintain neutrality while ensuring law and order during the governorship election. He emphasized that the Corps was ready to respond swiftly to any form of violence, voter intimidation, or attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
“We are resolute in our mission to protect lives and property before, during, and after the election. The NSCDC will act decisively against any individual or group attempting to destabilize Anambra State,” he stated.
He also warned hotel owners, event managers, and business operators to verify the authenticity of any private security personnel they hire, as many impostors were taking advantage of the political season to engage in fraudulent activities.
According to the Commandant, the five arrested suspects are currently being interrogated by NSCDC investigators, and they will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations. The recovered firearm has been secured as evidence.
Olatunde reiterated that under the Private Guard Companies Act, only duly registered and licensed security outfits are authorized to operate in Nigeria.
He cautioned individuals and organizations against patronizing unapproved guards, describing such actions as serious offences that could attract legal consequences.
“We are prepared to take all necessary measures within the law to counter any threats to public order,” he added.
“Our vigilance will remain high before and after the election to ensure sustained peace.”
The NSCDC urged the public to support its operations by providing timely and accurate information that could aid in identifying suspicious activities or groups. Olatunde stressed that community participation remained critical in maintaining lasting peace and security in the state.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “We call on residents to be alert and report any questionable activity to the nearest NSCDC office. Together, we can keep Anambra safe and ensure a credible election process.”
The Commandant reaffirmed the Corps’ resolve to eliminate all forms of insecurity and criminality linked to illegal security operatives in Anambra, adding that their continued operations pose a major threat to law and order.
He assured that the NSCDC would sustain its efforts until the state is completely free from unauthorized security outfits and political violence.
NSCDC arrests five illegal security operatives in Anambra and recovers rifle during Awka raid to curb political unrest ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
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