Police announce 18-hour ban on vehicular movement for elections

Olumuyiwa Adejobi Nigeria Police Force PRO

The Nigeria Police Force has announced total restriction of all vehicular movements from 12:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 25 for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Wednesday in Abuja said the restriction would be observed nationwide.

He however said the restriction order exempts those on essential services such as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, election observers, ambulances and firefighters responding to medical emergencies.

Mr. Adejobi said the order was part of measures emplaced to ensure a safe, secure and conducive environment for the conduct of the elections.

He said the restrictions would help to ensure proper public order management, safety of electorates and effective policing.

Adejobi added that it was also targeted at preventing hoodlums and criminal-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process.

He said the Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba had also barred security aides and escorts from accompanying their principals to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

According to him, anyone found flouting the directive will be severely sanctioned.

“Only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centres.

“Also, the ban on the unauthorised use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates and tinted glasses is still in force and violators would be sanctioned appropriately.

“All state-established and owned security outfits, organisations, quasi-security units and privately-owned guards and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management,” he said.