Police announce movement restriction, ban VIP escorts

The Nigeria Police Force has announced a total restriction of all vehicular movement during the February 25 election from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.

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

But he said the restraining order exempted essential services such as INEC officials, election observers, ambulances and firefighters who respond to medical emergencies.

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

He said the ban would help ensure public order management, voter safety and effective policing.

Mr. Adejobi added that it was also targeted to prevent hoodlums and criminal minded elements from disrupting the electoral process.

He said the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, also prohibited security aides and bodyguards from accompanying principals to polling booths and collection centers during elections.

According to him, anyone who defies the directive will face severe sanctions.

“Only security personnel assigned specifically for election duties should be seen inside designated polling stations and centers.

“Also, the ban on unauthorized use of sirens, rotating lights, closed number plates and glasses remains in force and violators will be sanctioned accordingly.

“All state security outfits, organizations, quasi-security units and private guards and security outfits are also prohibited from participating in election security management,” he said.

The IGP regretted the inconvenience the movement restrictions would cause Nigerians.

He called on the active voters to obey the law and be enmasse to exercise the franchisee.

But Mr. Baba, warned that the Force will deal firmly with anyone who wants to test their determination and strength to ensure a peaceful election.

He ordered citizens to refrain from buying votes, selling votes, hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, grabbing ballot boxes and other criminal acts.

Mr Baba said the police and other security agencies would ensure that all violators of the remaining laws, including the Electoral Act, were brought to book.

He urged the public to contact the police and the Joint Electoral Monitoring and Operations Room based at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, through the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’, available on Android and iOS.

The IGP added that the public can call the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line 08031230631 to report suspicious persons, activities or request a security response.

He said that other joint operations and election situation room numbers will be released by all police commands nationwide.

(IN)