The Anambra State Police Command has announced restriction of movement from 6am to 6pm on Saturday in the affected areas where bye-elections will be taking place.
Similarly, the command also barred vigilante operatives and other quasi-security outfits such as Agunaechemba from participating during the election period.
The bye-elections are taking place in Anambra South Senatorial district for senatorial election comprising nine local government areas and Onitsha North 1 constituency for the state House of Assembly.
In a press statement released on Friday, the Spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the directive is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
According to Ikenga, AIG Godwin Eze has been deployed as the Supervisory Officer for the forthcoming Anambra Bye-elections and has assumed full charge of the deployment of
The statement read in part, “In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Godwin Eze, who has been deployed as the Supervisory Officer for the forthcoming Anambra Bye-elections slated for tomorrow 16th August 2025. Consequently, he has today, 15th August 2025 assumed full charge of the deployment of officers and men for the exercise.
“The AIG in his address emphasised that only duly accredited security personnel will be permitted to participate in election duties. Consequently, all vigilante operatives, hunters, and other quasi-security outfits are strictly prohibited from any form of engagement during the exercise.
“Furthermore, to ensure a safe and hitch-free election, there shall be restrictions on vehicular movement from 6am to 6pm in the affected areas throughout the election period.
“The areas include: Nnewi North and South, Orumba North and South, Ekwusigo, Aguata and Ihiala Local Government areas respectively, for the Anambra South Senatorial District Others include: Onitsha North Constituency 1 as well as Awka South Local Government where the Independent National Electoral Commission Headquarters is located.
“The restriction is a proactive measure to deter criminal activities, reduce the risk of electoral violence, and guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and security personnel.”
The Command assured residents of its readiness to safeguard the electoral process, while urging citizens to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with security personnel deployed for the exercise.
“For complaints or emergencies, the public is encouraged to call the AIG: 08023407772 Command’s Control Room numbers: 07039194332, Police PRO: 08039334002,” the statement concluded.
