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LAGOS, Nigeria - Ahead of the local government elections set for Saturday, July 12, 2025, the Lagos State Police Command has issued a complete ban on vehicular movement throughout the state from 3:00 am to 3:00 pm on election day.
This directive, announced in a public statement on Wednesday, aims to facilitate a secure, peaceful, and orderly electoral process across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State.
The command explained that the decision was made in collaboration with other security and safety agencies as part of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Elections Security, emphasizing the need to "protect the election, the voters, LASIEC officials, ad hoc staff, and the electoral processes."
"This vehicular restriction will be rigorously enforced across all of Lagos State," the statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated.
According to the Electoral Act, the police have also implemented several security measures, including a ban on armed escorts and security aides at polling units and collation centers, as well as a prohibition on the indiscriminate use of sirens and concealed number plates.
Only vehicles designated for essential services—such as ambulances, fire trucks, and patrol vehicles operated by security agencies in the ICCES—are allowed," the statement outlined.
Exemptions from the vehicle movement restrictions include medical emergency responders, accredited officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, election observers, and media personnel carrying LASIEC-issued identification.
"Anyone apprehended without an identification tag will be investigated and charged under the Electoral Act," the police cautioned.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged residents to cooperate with the security personnel and maintain civility during the election. "Lagos residents are encouraged to showcase a peaceful attitude as they fulfill their civic duties," he urged.
The police also issued a warning to "potential troublemakers." "All miscreants, hoodlums, and thugs are advised to keep away from polling stations and collation centers.
The police and other security agencies will not hesitate to enforce the law," the statement emphasized. Political parties and parents were encouraged to advise their members and children against violence, intimidation, or disruption.
The public was also urged to report any suspicious activities to the police emergency numbers provided. The command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a secure, safe, and credible election.
