The Oyo State Police Command has announced a restriction of movement in parts of Ibadan ahead of Saturday’s by-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna, speaking at a joint briefing of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and the police command on Wednesday, said the restriction will cover Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan South-West, and adjoining areas from midnight to 5 p.m. on August 16.
Haruna said the measure is to safeguard voters and ensure the exercise is free, fair, and credible.
He disclosed that security agencies will deploy personnel across the affected areas, with convoy patrols, intelligence-led raids, and shows of force to deter troublemakers.
“We urge parents, guardians, and community leaders to help preserve the integrity of this process,” the CP said, adding that the show of force is to reassure the public, not intimidate them.
He warned that anyone caught with weapons or dangerous items near polling areas will face prosecution.
Haruna also stressed that no quasi-security outfits, including state-backed groups, will be allowed to participate in the election.
Representatives of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attended the briefing.
The police chief reiterated that all parties have signed a peace accord committing to non-violence and respect for electoral laws.