The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on highways, canals, and other modes of transportation ahead of Saturday’s supplementary polls in 2,660 voting units across the country.
According to the IGP’s order, which was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Force’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, the ban would take effect on Saturday from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. across 24 states.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electoral observers, accredited journalists and observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters are exempt.
The police chief also repeated the prohibition on all security aides and escorts accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election.
“State-established and owned security outfits/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management,” the statement read.
Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Yobe, Katsina, and Enugu are among the states affected.
Baba also called on “all citizens to be law-abiding during and after the elections even as he assures that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered”.
He also urged the “general public to contact the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters via 08033440189 (DIG Operations), 08033027731 (AIG FEDOPS), and 08034040439 (CP Elections), the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ on Android and IOS, and via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line on 08031230631, to request emergency security response.
“Similarly, other election situation room numbers which have been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms will be repeatedly released by concerned State Police Commands for necessary emergency contact.”
