IGP Orders Tight Security, Movement Restrictions for Bye-Elections in 13 States

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of extensive security logistics and personnel to ensure free, fair, and hitch-free bye-elections scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in 13 states across the country.

The affected states are Anambra, Kano, Oyo, Taraba, Enugu, Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Ogun, Zamfara, and Niger.

In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP directed the posting of senior officers, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, to oversee operations and provide close supervision in the election areas. Special units such as the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, Force Intelligence Department, and other tactical teams have also been deployed.

To maintain order, the IGP announced a restriction on vehicular and waterway movement in the affected Local Government Areas from 12 midnight to 6 p.m. on election day. Only essential service providers — including INEC officials, accredited journalists, electoral observers, ambulances on emergency calls, and firefighters — will be exempted.

Egbetokun also reaffirmed the ban on security aides and escorts from accompanying VIPs and politicians to polling stations or collation centres. State-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, and private guards are equally prohibited from participating in election security duties.

The police chief charged all officers on election duty to strictly follow standard operational procedures and urged citizens to remain law-abiding before, during, and after the polls, assuring that adequate measures are in place to protect voters and the electoral process.