IGP deploys senior officers, restricts movement ahead of August 16 bye-elections
Ahead of the bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, in 13 states across Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of senior police officers to oversee security operations and ensure a smooth, credible electoral process.
According to a statement from Force Headquarters, senior officers of the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioners of Police have been mobilized to support state commands in providing effective supervision. Additionally, operatives from specialized units—including the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department—have been deployed to boost tactical operations.
As part of efforts to maintain public order, the IGP announced a restriction on all forms of vehicular movement—by road, water, or other means—within the affected Local Government Areas from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, clarified that essential service providers are exempt from the restriction. These include officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited journalists, electoral observers, emergency ambulances, and fire service personnel.
The IGP also reiterated the ban on the use of security aides and escorts by VIPs and political officeholders at polling units or collation centers. In the same vein, state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, and private security firms are barred from participating in election-related security activities.
Egbetokun assured that adequate operational logistics have been deployed to all affected states and LGAs to ensure a peaceful electoral process. The states involved in the elections include Anambra, Kano, Oyo, Taraba, Enugu, Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Ogun, Zamfara, and Niger.
He further urged all police personnel on election duty to adhere strictly to the Nigeria Police Force’s standard operational procedures. Citizens were also advised to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the process, with the IGP assuring the public that comprehensive security measures are in place to safeguard lives, property, and the integrity of the vote.
