The Edo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced a statewide restriction of movement ahead of Saturday’s local government council elections.
The command said movement would be restricted across the state from midnight to 3 pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026, as part of security measures to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the command, the restriction was introduced in collaboration with other security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and sensitive election materials.
The police said the measure was also aimed at preventing any breakdown of law and order during the electoral exercise.
“The restriction is part of the comprehensive security measures put in place by the Command in collaboration with other security agencies to guarantee a peaceful electoral process, protect voters, electoral officials, and sensitive materials, as well as prevent any breakdown of law and order,” the statement read.
The command said all vehicular and human movement within the state would be prohibited during the restriction period.
However, election officials, accredited observers, duly accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency workers and other essential service providers on election duty would be exempted.
The police urged residents to comply with the directive, warning that security personnel had been strategically deployed across the 18 local government areas of the state to enforce the restriction and maintain law and order.
“Members of the public are advised to comply fully with this directive, as security operatives have been strategically deployed across the eighteen Local Government Areas of the state to enforce the restriction and maintain law and order,” the command said.
It warned that any person or group found violating the restriction or engaging in activities capable of disrupting the electoral process would face legal action.
“Any person or group found violating the restriction or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to safeguard the election.
Agbonika urged eligible voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic responsibility in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, peaceful and credible electoral process across the state.
