LG poll: Police restrict movement, deploy squads

Ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, the Lagos State Police Command has announced a total restriction of vehicular movement across the state, from 3:00 am to 3:00 pm on election day.

The directive, issued in a public statement on Wednesday, aims to ensure a secure, peaceful, and orderly electoral process across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of Lagos State.

The command said the decision was made in agreement with other security and safety agencies under the Interagency Consultative Committee on Elections Security, citing the need to “safeguard the election, the electorates, LASIEC officials and ad hoc staff and electoral processes.”

“This restriction will be strictly enforced across the entirety of Lagos State

The restriction of vehicular movement will apply to all roads and waterways within Lagos State jurisdiction,” the statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, emphasised.

In line with the Electoral Act, the police also announced several security measures, including a ban on armed escorts and security aides at polling units and collation centres, as well as a prohibition on the indiscriminate use of sirens and covered number plates.

“Only vehicles designated for essential services—such as ambulances, fire trucks, and patrol vehicles operated by security agencies in the ICCES—are permitted,” it stated.

Exemptions to the movement restrictions include medical emergency responders, accredited officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, election observers, and media practitioners with LASIEC-issued tags.

“Anyone arrested without an identification tag will be investigated and prosecuted in line with the Electoral Act,” the police warned.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and observe civility during the election. “Lagos residents are urged to demonstrate peaceful disposition in observing their civic responsibilities,” he appealed.

The police also issued a warning to “potential troublemakers.”

“All miscreants, hoodlums, and thugs are warned to stay away from the polling units and collation centres.

“The police and other security agencies will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law,” the statement read.

Political parties and parents were advised to caution their members and wards against acts of violence, intimidation, or disruption.

The public was also encouraged to report suspicious activity to the police emergency numbers provided.

The command stated that it remained committed to ensuring a secure, safe and credible election.