IGP Orders Movement Restriction, Prohibits VIP Escorts During By-Election in 13 States

Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has ordered the restriction of movement in impacted regions ahead of the next by-election that is set for Saturday, August 16, 2025, in 13 states within the Federation.
The IGP reaffirmed his previous orders to deploy operational logistics to the impacted States and Local Government Areas where the elections would take place in order to create an environment conducive to a free and fair election, according to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.
Anambra, Kano, Ogun, Taraba, Enugu, Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Zamfara, and Niger States are among the states that are impacted.
According to the statement, “The IGP has ordered the deployment of senior officers with the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to help State Commissioners of Police ensure proper supervision over the electoral process for a smooth and hitch-free election. Other tactical units have also been deployed, including officers and men from the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department.”

Read Also: 2027: Peter Obi Will Be a Big Advantage, Jonathan Has Nothing to Offer – PDP’s Dan Ulasi

With the exception of those on essential services like INEC officials, accredited media, electoral observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters, the IGP has also ordered that all vehicle movement on roads, waterways, and other modes of transportation be restricted from 12 am to 6 pm on election day within the affected Local Government Areas.

In a similar vein, the IGP restates the prohibition against any security personnel serving as VIPs or escorts going to voting places and collation centers with their principals or politicians during the election. Participation in electoral security management is also prohibited for quasi-security units, privately owned security personnel, and state-established and owned security organizations.

In addition to urging all citizens to observe the law both during and after the elections, the Inspector General of Police hereby charges all officers assigned to this special duty with ensuring compliance with NPF standard operational protocols for elections and guarantees that all necessary security measures have been put in place to ensure that their right to vote is unhindered.