At the centre of that success story was Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Benjamin Okolo — the man entrusted by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a secure, fair, and credible election in the state.
Under Okolo’s supervision, the Nigeria Police Force rolled out what many described as one of the most coordinated election security operations in recent times. His strategy was built on intelligence gathering, strategic deployment, and swift response mechanisms — all aligned with the IGP’s operational blueprint for election security.
From urban centres to rural communities, police presence was visible but not intimidating. Tactical units, patrol teams, and monitoring squads were strategically positioned to deter violence and respond quickly to emerging threats. Complementing these ground operations was aerial surveillance that provided real-time situational updates across Anambra’s 21 local government areas.
International Observers noted that this balance of preparedness and restraint helped to keep the peace throughout the voting and collation processes.
Beyond the show of force, Okolo’s emphasis on professionalism proved crucial. Officers were warned against any form of misconduct or political partisanship. Commanders were reminded of their duty to remain neutral and protect both voters and election materials without fear or favour.
That approach paid off. Across polling units monitored by civil society groups and election observers, police officers were seen guiding voters, maintaining order, and de-escalating tension without resorting to violence.
DIG Okolo attributed the peaceful outcome to the “strategic leadership of the Inspector General of Police,” noting that the success “reflects the Force’s ongoing reforms to promote accountability, intelligence-driven operations, and respect for human rights.”
Another highlight of the Anambra election was the seamless coordination among security agencies. The police worked closely with the military, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The synergy ensured prompt intelligence sharing and a unified response to any potential threat.
INEC officials and election observers commended the cooperation, describing it as “a textbook example of inter-agency harmony during elections.”
For many analysts, the Anambra governorship election offered a glimpse of what election security could look like under proper planning and disciplined leadership. The absence of violence, the minimal number of arrests, and the positive feedback from stakeholders demonstrated that peaceful elections are achievable in Nigeria.
DIG Okolo’s role as the enforcer of the IGP’s mandate extended beyond operational control; it embodied a renewed policing philosophy — one that blends firmness with fairness and authority with accountability.
As the dust settles on the polls, one lesson stands out: with the right leadership and strategic oversight, security agencies can protect democracy without disrupting it.
As the officer in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, DIG Okolo represents the operational face of IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s vision of an intelligence-led, citizen-focused policing system.
His performance in Anambra reflects the IGP’s broader mandate to professionalise election security and restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
“DIG Okolo’s leadership embodies what the IGP has been preaching — proactive intelligence, inter-agency cooperation, and community partnership,” noted a senior police source in Abuja. “He’s an enforcer of the IGP’s vision for credible elections.”
Indeed, by combining intelligence with operational discipline, and firmness with empathy, Okolo managed to deliver a result many doubted was possible — a violence-free, credible election in one of Nigeria’s most politically charged states.
The success of the Anambra governorship election provides a useful model for future polls across the federation. It shows that early planning, strategic intelligence, inter-agency collaboration, and respect for citizens’ rights are the bedrock of peaceful elections.
For DIG Benjamin Okolo, it also marks another career milestone — a testament to his calm but firm leadership style, his commitment to duty, and his ability to translate the IGP’s directives into effective ground operations.
As Anambra residents celebrate a violence-free election, one name stands tall among those who made it possible: DIG Benjamin Okolo — the enforcer of the IGP’s mandate and the architect of peace.