BREAKING: Enugu police announce movement restriction, ban armed escorts ahead of senatorial bye-election

Crime Diary

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Enugu State Police Command has announced restrictions on human and vehicular movement and reiterated a ban on armed escorts ahead of the Enugu North Senatorial Bye-Election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, said the measures were aimed at ensuring a peaceful, free and credible electoral process across the affected local government areas.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Commissioner warned that armed escorts and unauthorised security personnel would not be allowed in or around polling units and other designated restricted areas during the election.

Giwa stressed that only police officers and other security operatives officially deployed for election duties would be permitted to operate at polling centres.

According to him, security personnel assigned to election duties will provide outer-cordon security, conduct patrols and respond to security incidents where necessary.

“Only Police personnel and other security operatives officially deployed for election duties are permitted at polling units,” he said.

The Police Commissioner also announced a restriction on human and vehicular movement from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 6:00 p.m. on election day across the six local government areas of Igbo-Etiti, Igbo Eze North, Igbo Eze South, Nsukka, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani.

He explained that the restriction would not apply to electoral officials, accredited election observers, journalists and other persons engaged in verifiable essential duties.

Giwa urged political parties, candidates, supporters, voters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.

He warned that anyone found violating the restrictions or engaging in activities capable of undermining the election would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner further called on residents and stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, activities and electoral offences.

He assured the public of the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order before, during and after the election.

The Enugu North Senatorial District, comprising six local government areas, will hold a by‑election on June 20, 2026, to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Labour Party Senator Okey Ezea, who passed away on November 18, 2025, after a brief illness.