The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a massive deployment of security personnel and operational logistics to ensure free and fair bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, across 13 states.
In a press release issued Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police chief announced a series of stringent security measures, including a restriction on vehicular movement in the affected areas.
The bye-elections will take place in select constituencies within Anambra, Kano, Oyo, Taraba, Enugu, Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Ogun, Zamfara, and Niger States.
To ensure proper supervision and a smooth electoral process, the IGP has deployed senior officers, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, to support the State Commands. Tactical units such as the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and the Force Intelligence Department have also been mobilized.
A key measure announced is the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads and waterways within the affected Local Government Areas. The lockdown will be in effect from 12:00 AM to 6:00 PM on election day. However, individuals on essential duties, including officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited media personnel, election observers, and emergency responders like ambulances and firefighters, will be exempted from the restriction.
Furthermore, the IGP reiterated a strict ban on security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs and politicians to polling booths and collation centres. The order also prohibits state-established security outfits, quasi-security units, and private guards from participating in the management of election security.
IGP Egbetokun has charged all deployed officers to adhere strictly to the standard operational protocols for elections.
The police boss urged citizens to remain law-abiding throughout the election period, assuring the public that all necessary security arrangements have been put in place to protect their right to vote without obstruction.
