Nigeria Elections 2023: Police Announce Movement Restriction, Ban VIP Escorts.
The Nigerian Police Force has announced that all vehicular movements will be completely restricted during the Feb. 25 elections from 12:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The restriction will be observed nationwide, according to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, released on Wednesday in Abuja.
The order exempts INEC officials, election observers, ambulances, and firefighters responding to medical emergencies.
The restriction is part of measures to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of the elections. The aim is to ensure proper public order management, the safety of electorates, and effective policing. The restriction is also targeted at preventing hoodlums and criminal-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process.
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Usman Baba, has barred security aides and escorts from accompanying their principals to polling booths and collation centers during the election. Anyone found flouting the directive will be severely sanctioned. Only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centers.
The ban on the unauthorized use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates, and tinted glasses is still in force, and violators will be sanctioned appropriately. All state-established and owned security outfits, organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guards and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.
The I-G regretted the inconveniences the movement restriction would cause well-meaning Nigerians. He urged active electorates to be law-abiding and turn out en masse to exercise their franchise. The Force will deal decisively with anyone who tests the common resolve and might of the police to ensure a peaceful election. Citizens are urged to shun vote buying, vote selling, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, snatching of ballot boxes, and other criminal acts. The Police and other security agencies will ensure that all violators of extant laws, including the Electoral Act, are brought to book.
The public can contact the Police and the Joint Election Monitoring and Operations Room domiciled at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, via the ‘NPF Rescue Me App,’ available on Android and iOS. The public can also dial the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line 08031230631 to report suspicious persons, or activities or request security response.
Other joint operations and election situation room numbers would be released by all Police Commands nationwide.
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