The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, ordered restriction of movements in 26 states, ahead of February 3 re-run and by-election.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, via a statement in Abuja said the restriction applied to all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other forms of transportation.
The IG said the restriction would take effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day in all states where election would be conducted.
He said that those on essential services, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, electoral observers, accredited media and observers, both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies and firefighters would be exempted from the restriction.
Egbetokun also ordered a ban on all security aides to Very Important Persons and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.
“State-established and owned security outfits and organisations, quasi-security units and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election.
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“The movement restrictions, including the ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits, are crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the election,” he said.
The Police boss said the idea was to safeguard the integrity of the election and guarantee equal participation for all citizens in the affected states.
He further urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, in accordance with the electoral laws.
Egbetokun said any attempt to disrupt the process or violate the established guidelines would be met with the full force of the law.
The IG pledged the commitment of the police to foster a secured democratic society and enjoined citizens to report suspicious activities or incidents that could undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities.
The states affected include: Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
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