Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 12 a.m to 6 p.m tomorrow across all states where elections will be conducted.
According to the IGP, the restriction, is with the exception of those on essential services, such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.
The police directive, Baba said, excludes the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as no election will be conducted therein.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), reads,
“Similarly, the IGP reiterates the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election. State-established and owned security outfits/organisations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.
“The Inspector General of Police, therefore, urges all citizens to be law-abiding during and after the elections, even as he assures that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered. He also urges the general public to contact the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters via 08033440189 (DIG Operations), 08033027731 (AIG FEDOPS), and 08034040439 (CP Elections), the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ on Android and IOS, and via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency toll-free line on 08031230631, to request emergency security response.
“Similarly, other election situation room numbers, which have been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms, will be repeatedly released by concerned state police commands for necessary emergency contact.”