•Nigeria Police Force
Ahead of the Local Government elections across all 13 Local Government Areas of Ebonyi scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 22, the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, has commenced the comprehensive deployment of security personnel to polling stations and key tactical positions statewide.
The security measures were detailed in an official press statement released yesterday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu.
Ukandu stated that under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor, the Command is coordinating joint operations with sister security agencies. The goal is to establish robust security coverage to safeguard eligible voters as they exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or harassment.
To maintain public order during the exercise, the Command announced a total restriction on vehicular and human movement across the state on election day, effective from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Exemptions apply strictly to personnel performing essential duties or election-related assignments. These include: Officials of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), accredited journalists, certified election observers; emergency medical responders and health workers; and authorised security and essential service personnel.
Exempted individuals must carry valid institutional identification and official electoral accreditation for verification at security checkpoints.
The Police Commissioner cautioned political figures, party stalwarts, and supporters against using inflammatory language or engaging in provocative actions capable of heating the polity or jeopardising the electoral process.
She issued a stern warning that any individual or group attempting to disrupt public peace or breach law and order will face immediate arrest and prosecution under the full weight of the law.
The CP urged voters to conduct themselves orderly, follow lawful directives from security officers on duty, and refrain from any disruptive behaviour.
Reassuring residents, Okafor emphasised that law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to maintain security before, during, and after the polls to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free exercise.
