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 coordinated raids in Awka.
State Commandant Maku Tunde disclosed this on Wednesday while parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Awka.
Olatunde said the operation, carried out around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, targeted several hotels and grocery stores following credible intelligence reports about individuals posing as security personnel.
He explained that the suspects were allegedly hired by political actors to cause unrest ahead of the November 8 governorship election. The arrested individuals were identified as Mmeka Ekene (43), Peter Detuchi Kelvin (28), Sunday Akpan Idiong (45), Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu (26), and Francis Ugochukwu Nwosu (28).
According to the commandant, the operation was conducted by the Private Guard Companies Department as part of ongoing efforts to remove criminal elements, prevent illegal possession of firearms, and curb potential election-related violence.
“We are committed to providing a safe environment for the forthcoming election,” Olatunde said. “The NSCDC will continue to work with other security agencies to suppress any act capable of disrupting peace in the state.”
He added that the corps had intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering to foil attempts by “disruptive elements or desperate politicians” to undermine the electoral process.
Olatunde said the suspects were being interrogated and would be charged in court after investigations.
He warned individuals and groups against impersonating licensed security operatives, stressing that the NSCDC would not tolerate actions aimed at destabilising Anambra ahead of the polls.
