Nigeria police announces restriction of movement

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation in 26 states.

The restriction will be from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m on Saturday, February 3 due to the run-off and bye-elections.

Those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc are exempted from the restriction and free move around.

The affected states 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.

The IGP has also ordered a ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election.

State-established and owned security outfits and organizations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.

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 electoral process.

The IGP emphasized that these restrictions are implemented to safeguard the integrity of the elections and guarantee equal participation for all citizens of the affected states.

The IGP urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the electoral laws, as any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or violate the established guidelines will be met with the full force of the law.