Fake Security Operatives Arrested in Anambra with Pump-action Rifle Ahead of Governorship Poll
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested five suspected fake private security operatives and recovered a pump-action rifle during a coordinated operation in Awka, the state capital.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, made this known on Wednesday while parading the suspects at the command headquarters.
He said the arrests were made following credible intelligence suggesting the activities of impersonators posing as legitimate security personnel in the state capital.
According to Olatunde, the operation was carried out across several hotels and grocery stores in Awka around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and protect the integrity of the forthcoming November 8 governorship election in Anambra.
“The intelligence we received indicated that certain individuals were parading themselves in uniforms similar to those of recognised security agencies,” Olatunde explained.
“They were allegedly recruited by political actors to create unrest and confusion ahead of the election.”
He said the suspects were apprehended in full uniform and could not provide valid identification or licences to operate as private security personnel.
Items recovered from them included one pump-action rifle, fake security uniforms, identification tags, and mobile phones used to coordinate their activities.
Olatunde warned political groups and individuals against sponsoring or hiring unlicensed security operatives for political purposes, stressing that such acts constitute a serious security breach and would not be tolerated.
“We are fully committed to maintaining peace and order before, during, and after the election,” he said.
“Any individual or group found attempting to destabilise the process through illegal security operations will face the full wrath of the law.”
He added that preliminary investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the inquiry.
The Commandant also urged hotel owners, business operators, and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies promptly, assuring that the NSCDC and sister agencies are working collaboratively to guarantee a peaceful and credible electoral process in the state.
The arrests come amid heightened security measures across Anambra as political parties intensify preparations for the November governorship poll.
