IGP has ordered for massive deployment of personnel and movement restrictions across 26 states ahead of by-elections.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that 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 from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day in all states where elections will be conducted.
This Nigeria news platform understands that the Inspector General of Police stated that the restriction on movement, except for essential services, will apply during the upcoming 2024 run-off and bye-elections across 26 states scheduled for Saturday, February 3, 2024.
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Essential service providers exempted from the restriction include Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, accredited media and observers (both foreign and domestic), ambulances attending to medical emergencies, and firefighters.
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.
IGP 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, the IGP said are also barred from participating in election security management.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adeyemi said: “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 emphasizes 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 urges 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.
“The Inspector General of Police reiterates the commitment of the Force to fostering a secure and democratic society, and therefore encourages citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities via the following phone numbers; 08034040439 (CP Elections); 08031230631 (Toll Free); 08057000001, 08057000002 (Complaint Response Unit); @ngpolice (Facebook); @PoliceNG (X); pressforabuja@police.gov.ng (e-mail).”
The IGP expressed confidence that, through collective efforts, the upcoming run-off and bye-elections will be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with the principles of democracy.
