Movement restrictions in impacted regions have been enforced by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun ahead of the upcoming by-election in 13 states within the Federation, which is set for Saturday, August 16, 2025.
In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP restated his previous orders to send operational logistics to the impacted States and LGAs where the elections would take place in order to create an atmosphere conducive to a free and fair election.
The following states are impacted: Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Zamfara, Niger State, Anambra, Kano, Oyo, Taraba, and Enugu.
The IGP has instructed the deployment of senior officers with the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to support State Commissioners of Police in providing adequate oversight of the electoral process to ensure a smooth and trouble-free election. Additionally, officers and men from the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, Force Intelligence Department, and other tactical units have been deployed in equal measure to ensure a smooth election, according to the statement.
On election day, the IGP has also mandated that all vehicles on roads, waterways, and other transportation routes be prohibited from moving from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the impacted LGAs, with the exception of those providing essential services like firefighters, ambulances for medical emergencies, accredited media, INEC officials, and electoral observers.
Likewise, the IGP restates the prohibition on any security personnel serving as VIPs or escorts going with their principals or politicians to voting places and collation centers during the election. Additionally prohibited from taking part in electoral security administration are quasi-security units, privately owned security personnel, and state-established and owned security organizations.
“The Inspector General of Police guarantees that all necessary security measures have been put in place to guarantee that their right to vote is unhindered and charges all officers assigned for this special duty to ensure compliance with NPF standard operational protocols for elections.” The Inspector General also exhorts all citizens to observe the law during and after the elections.
