IGP Restricts Movement, Ban VIP Escorts On February Election Day

The Nigeria Police has restricted all forms of movement from 12 am to 6 pm during the upcoming 2024 run-off and bye-elections scheduled to be held across 26 states on February 3.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun announced the development on Thursday, giving exceptions to essential services including Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and electoral observers.

Others include accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies and firefighters.

The affected states include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

The IGP also ordered a 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 and organisations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management,” the IGP said.

It noted that the restrictions are crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the electoral process while ensuring to safeguard the integrity of the elections and equal participation for all citizens of the affected states.

The IGP further urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the electoral laws, as any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or violate the established guidelines would be met with the full force of the law.

“The Inspector General of Police reiterates the commitment of the Force to fostering a secure and democratic society, and therefore encourages citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities via the following phone numbers; 08034040439 (CP Elections); 08031230631 (Toll-Free); 08057000001, 08057000002 (Complaint Response Unit); @ngpolice (Facebook); @PoliceNG (X); [email protected] (e-mail).

“The IGP expresses confidence that, through collective efforts, the upcoming run-off and bye-elections will be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with the principles of democracy,” the police said.