As Lagos State prepares for its local government elections slated for Saturday, July 12, 2025, the Lagos State Police Command has unveiled stringent security arrangements designed to guarantee a peaceful and orderly voting process. Central to these measures is a complete restriction on vehicular movement throughout the state from 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on election day.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the police outlined that this directive applies to all roads and waterways within Lagos State’s jurisdiction, covering the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas. The move, agreed upon by the Interagency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES), aims to “safeguard the election, the electorates, LASIEC officials and ad hoc staff and electoral processes.”
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, emphasized, “This restriction will be strictly enforced across the entirety of Lagos State. The restriction of vehicular movement will apply to all roads and waterways within Lagos State jurisdiction.”
To complement the movement ban, the police have prohibited the use of armed escorts and security aides at polling units and collation centers, alongside a ban on indiscriminate use of sirens and vehicles with covered number plates. Only essential service vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and authorized patrol vehicles, will be allowed to operate during this period.
Exceptions to the restriction include medical emergency responders, accredited officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), election observers, and media personnel holding valid LASIEC-issued identification tags. “Anyone arrested without an identification tag will be investigated and prosecuted in line with the Electoral Act,” the statement warned.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, appealed to Lagos residents to cooperate fully with security agencies and maintain peaceful conduct throughout the exercise. “Lagos residents are urged to demonstrate peaceful disposition in observing their civic responsibilities,” he said.
The police also issued a stern warning to potential disruptors: “All miscreants, hoodlums, and thugs are warned to stay away from the polling units and collation centres. The police and other security agencies will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law.”
Political parties and parents were further urged to caution their members and wards against any form of violence, intimidation, or disruption. The public was encouraged to report any suspicious activities through the police emergency numbers provided.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring a secure, safe, and credible election process for all stakeholders.
