Residents of seven local government areas in Rivers State will face temporary restrictions on movement as security agencies intensify preparations for the Rivers South-East Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for Saturday.
The Rivers State Police Command announced that the restriction will affect both human and vehicular movement within Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas.
The election is being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the vacant Senate seat left by the late Senator Barry Mpigi, who died in February.
In a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, explained that the restriction would commence at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, and remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, the day of the poll.
The statement, issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, noted that the measure is part of a broader security strategy aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.
According to the command, restricting movement during the election period will help safeguard electoral materials and personnel, discourage electoral misconduct and provide a secure atmosphere for voters to cast their ballots without intimidation or interference.
“The Rivers State Police Command hereby informs residents of Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas that movement of persons, vehicles and motorcycles will be restricted from midnight on Friday, June 19, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026,” the statement said.
Police authorities stressed that the restriction is designed to protect lives and property while preventing any actions capable of undermining the election.
The command, however, clarified that certain categories of persons will be exempt from the directive. These include accredited INEC officials, security personnel assigned to election duties, ambulance operators, fire service personnel and other emergency or essential service providers carrying out authorised responsibilities.
The police also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to violate the restriction order or disrupt the electoral process.
The command specifically cautioned against electoral offences such as vote-buying, voter intimidation, political thuggery, violence and any other unlawful activities capable of threatening public order during the election.
Commissioner of Police Adepoju appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies throughout the exercise.
He urged all stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly and contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive to a successful election.
According to him, the credibility of the election depends largely on the willingness of citizens to respect the law and support peaceful democratic participation.
The police further assured residents that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place in collaboration with other security and relevant agencies to guarantee safety before, during and after the election.
The command encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through established emergency communication channels.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the police said every eligible voter should be able to exercise their constitutional right in a secure environment free from fear, intimidation or disruption.
The command expressed confidence that with public cooperation, the Rivers South-East Senatorial District bye-election could serve as a positive example of democratic conduct and peaceful electoral participation.
