Police authorities have announced restrictions on movement in parts of Kano, Kebbi and Nasarawa ahead of the bye-elections coming up in the states.
According to the police, the restrictions are needed to ensure security, maintain public order and guarantee a credible voting process.
Moreover, the restrictions form part of a broader security arrangement put in place by law enforcement agencies and election stakeholders to prevent disruptions and create a conducive atmosphere for voters to exercise their franchise.
According to the police, only officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited election observers, duly identified journalists, security personnel and individuals on essential duties will be permitted to move freely during the designated restriction periods.
Furthermore, the police said personnel have been deployed to polling units, collation centres, INEC facilities and other strategic locations across the affected constituencies to safeguard election materials and maintain law and order.
The bye-elections are being conducted to fill vacant legislative positions in the affected states, with authorities expressing confidence in the security measures adopted ahead of the polls.
In Kano State, the Police Command announced that movement would be restricted in Dawakin Kudu and Warawa Local Government Areas between 12 noon and 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
Bakori said the security framework was developed following consultations among members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“We have put in place a comprehensive security architecture in collaboration with all relevant agencies to guarantee a peaceful, orderly and credible electoral process,” the commissioner said.
He urged residents and voters to comply with electoral guidelines and cooperate with security personnel throughout the exercise.
The police also warned political parties and supporters against campaigning, canvassing for votes or displaying party insignia near polling centres, stressing that violators would face sanctions under the law.
“The command will not tolerate vote-buying, vote-selling, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation or the spread of fake news and misinformation.
“Anyone found engaging in any electoral offence will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022,” Bakori said.
Similarly, police authorities in Kebbi and Nasarawa states announced a movement restriction from 12 pm to 5 pm.
The police command in both states disclosed that these measures aimed at restricting movement in designated areas during the elections serve as part of efforts to ensure the peaceful conduct of the polls.
Police officials across the three states assured residents that adequate security had been provided before, during and after the elections,
They urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and security threats.