2023 elections: Police restrict movement, ban VIP escorts

The Nigeria Police Force has restricted the movement of vehicles during the general elections scheduled to hold on Saturday February 25, 2023 from 12:00am to 6:00 pm.

This was confirmed in a statement released by the force spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in Abuja.

Adejobi revealed that the development would cut across the federation.

He added that the restriction does not affect those who’re performing essential services such as INEC personnel, election observers, fire service officials, ambulances who’re to react to medical emergencies.

He explained that the decision was to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election.

He said the decision would ensure public safety and order.

He said it was to prevent hoodlums and criminal agents from destabilizing the electoral process.

He said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman Baba had security agents from following their principals to polling units and collation centres during the forthcoming election.

“Only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centres.

“Also, the ban on the unauthorised use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates and tinted glasses is still in force and violators would 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,” he said.

The police boss appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to bear the inconveniences the decision would cause them.

He persuaded the voters to abide by the law and come out in large numbers to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.

He appealed to the people to do away with vote buying, misinformation and all sorts of electoral malpractices.

The police chief said the police and other security agencies would make sure anyone who violates the law including the Electoral Act, were made to face the law.