The Lagos State Police Command has imposed a complete restriction on vehicular movement across the entire state, including all roads and waterways, from 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in preparation for the upcoming Local Government Elections.

This directive was formally issued on Wednesday through an official statement posted on the police command’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account. The restriction will affect both public and private transportation as part of robust security measures to ensure a hitch-free election across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

Why the Restriction Is Necessary

The announcement stated that the movement restriction aims to create a secure and orderly environment during the election period. The police, in collaboration with other security and safety agencies under the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), emphasized that the lockdown is essential for:

• Protecting voters, election officials, and ad hoc staff

• Safeguarding polling units, collation centres, and other designated voting locations

• Preventing disruptions from political thugs or criminal elements

According to the police, the restriction is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and reflects the command’s commitment to upholding law and order throughout the electoral process.

Who Is Exempted from the Restriction?

While the restriction will be strictly enforced across the state, certain categories of individuals and services have been granted exemption—provided they are duly accredited or operating under emergency protocols.

Those allowed to move during the restriction period include:

• Essential health workers and emergency response personnel

• Accredited election officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC)

• Accredited journalists covering the elections

• Election observers and monitors issued official LASIEC ID tags

However, even for exempted individuals, movement will only be permitted if valid LASIEC-issued identification is visibly displayed.

Vehicles and Personnel Banned During the Restriction

The Lagos Police Command has issued a stern warning that armed escorts, vehicles with covered number plates, and any vehicle using sirens will not be allowed to operate during the restriction hours. This includes vehicles linked to:

• Private security firms

• Quasi-security agencies

• State-level security outfits not accredited by LASIEC

Additionally, unauthorized individuals, particularly political thugs, miscreants, or troublemakers, have been strongly warned to stay away from polling centres and collation points to avoid arrest or prosecution.

Citizens Urged to Remain Vigilant and Law-Abiding

The police have appealed to Lagos residents to cooperate fully with law enforcement personnel and comply with the restriction order. They also advised the public to remain watchful and report any suspicious activities in their communities.

Residents can contact the police through the emergency hotlines:

• 08063299264

• 08065154338

The police command further assured the public of its readiness to maintain peace, protect lives and property, and ensure the smooth conduct of the local elections. It emphasized that these proactive steps are necessary to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process in the state.

Conclusion

The Lagos State Police Command’s movement restriction for the July 12 LG elections underscores the importance of security in electoral processes. With enforcement teams on standby and support from other security agencies, the command hopes to create a peaceful voting atmosphere. Lagosians are urged to remain calm, stay safe, and play their part in ensuring credible and violence-free elections.