Guber/Assembly elections: Police restrict vehicular movement
Ban VIP aides, escorts, state security outfits
By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja
The Police have ordered the restriction of vehicular movement on the Governorship and State Assembly elections day, Saturday, March 18, 2023 in all states where the exercise will be held.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, who gave the order in a statement issued by the Force Spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday, restricted all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on the election day.
He, however, exempted those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Accredited Media and Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc, adding that the restriction of movement excludes the Federal Capital Territory as no election is being conducted therein.
Baba reiterated 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.
He also said that State-established and owned security outfits/organisations, quasi-security units such as Amotekun and Ebubeagu, and privately-owned guard and security outfits were also barred from participating in election security management.
The IGP, therefore, urged all citizens to be law abiding during and after the elections and assured that all necessary security arrangements had been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered.
He also urged 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.
Baba added that other election situation room numbers which had been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms will be repeatedly released by concerned State Police Commands for necessary emergency contact