The Edo State Police Command has announced a statewide restriction of movement ahead of the Local Government Council Elections scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, the Command said the restriction will take effect from 12:00 midnight on Saturday until 3:00 p.m.

According to the statement, the measure forms part of a comprehensive security strategy adopted by the police in collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard voters, electoral officials, sensitive election materials, and maintain law and order throughout the exercise.

The Command stated that all vehicular and pedestrian movement across Edo State will be prohibited during the restriction period, except for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited election observers, duly accredited media personnel, security operatives, emergency responders, and other essential service providers engaged in election duties.

The police urged residents to comply fully with the directive, warning that security personnel have been deployed across the state’s 18 local government areas to enforce the restriction.

It further warned that anyone found violating the movement restriction or engaging in activities capable of disrupting the electoral process would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election.

He also encouraged eligible voters to come out peacefully to exercise their civic responsibility in line with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), while assuring that the Command remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the integrity of the electoral process.