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 on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, and obtained by Channels Television.
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.
The CP urged voters to conduct themselves orderly, follow lawful directives from security officers on duty, and refrain from any disruptive behaviour.
