The Rivers State Police Command has announced a temporary restriction on the movement of persons, vehicles, and motorcycles in seven Local Government Areas ahead of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-Election scheduled for today, Saturday, June 20.
The affected areas – Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo and Opobo/Nkoro – will be under restriction from midnight on Friday, June 19, until 6 p.m. on election day (today), as part of security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible exercise reports Channels TV.
The Command clarified that the restriction will not apply to accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security personnel on election duty, ambulance and emergency service providers, fire service personnel, and other authorised essential service providers.
It warned that anyone found violating the order or engaging in electoral malpractice — including vote-buying, voter intimidation, or thuggery — will be dealt with decisively under the law.
Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju called on political parties, candidates, supporters, and residents of the affected areas to remain peaceful and cooperative with security agencies, assuring the public that robust security arrangements have been put in place in collaboration with other agencies. The Command urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the emergency contact lines provided.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
PRESS RELEASE
RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND
RIVERS SOUTH-EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT BY-ELECTION: POLICE ANNOUNCE RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT IN SEVEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
The Rivers State Police Command hereby notifies members of the public, particularly residents of Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas, of a temporary restriction on movement ahead of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, 20th June 2026.
As part of comprehensive security measures put in place to guarantee a peaceful, orderly, free, fair, and credible electoral process, the movement of persons, vehicles, and motorcycles within the affected Local Government Areas will be restricted from 12:00 a.m, on Friday, 19th June 2026, until 6:00 p.m, on Saturday, 20th June 2026.
The restriction is aimed at enhancing public safety, protecting electoral officials and materials, preventing electoral malpractices, and creating a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their civic responsibility without fear, intimidation or harassment.
However, the restriction will not apply to:
Accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC);
Security personnel on election duty;
Ambulance and other emergency service providers;
Fire Service personnel; and
Other essential service providers are duly authorized to perform official duties during the election.
The Command warns that any individual or group found violating the restriction order, engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process or participating in any form of electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, thuggery or any other unlawful activity will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, calls on all political parties, candidates, supporters, and residents of the affected Local Government Areas to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies to ensure a successful electoral exercise.
CP Adepoju emphasized that all eligible voters, political stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups and residents of the affected Local Government Areas to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process. The success of the election depends on the collective commitment of all citizens to uphold the rule of law and promote a culture of peace.
The Command wishes to reassure the public that robust security arrangements have been put in place, in collaboration with other security and relevant agencies, to ensure the protection of lives and property, safeguard electoral materials, and guarantee a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities.
Emergency Contacts
Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605209 07057605256 08120822987 07072323049
Control Room: 08032003514
The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that every eligible voter exercises his or her constitutional right in a safe and secure environment.
“Together, let us uphold peace, respect the law, and make the Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-Election a model of democratic excellence.”
ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Rivers State Command
