Nigeria Police Force has ordered restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on the election.
This is contained in a statement issued by the force’s spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Wednesday, noting that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba made the order as part of measures to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the conduct of polls.
Adejobi explained that the directive will not be enforced on those on essential services, “such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.”
The statement noted that the police boss cautioned all security aides and escorts to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the exercise. The IGP, according to the spokesman, further stressed that 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 unauthorized 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/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management,” said Adejobi.
He stated that the IGP urged electorates to be law-abiding and turn out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility and shun vote buying and selling, hate speech, misinformation, and other electoral malpractices.
In addition, the force urged the public to contact its Monitoring and Operations Room via the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ available on Android and ios, or via the ‘NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line on 08031230631’ to report suspicious activities or request security response on the day.
Presidential and National Assembly Elections are scheduled to hold on Saturday across all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while the gubernatorial and state assembly polls will hold two weeks after.
