The Edo State Police Command has announced a statewide restriction of movement from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, ahead of the state’s local government elections.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the restriction is part of security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly and secure electoral process across Edo State.

The police said all vehicular and pedestrian movement would be prohibited during the period. However, officials of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), accredited election observers, accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency responders and other essential service providers on election duty are exempt from the restriction.

The command added that security personnel have been deployed across all 18 local government areas to enforce the restriction, protect voters, electoral officials and sensitive election materials, and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The police warned that anyone found violating the movement restriction or engaging in activities capable of disrupting the elections would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been made to safeguard the polls. He urged eligible voters to remain peaceful while exercising their civic responsibility and to comply with guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission.

Agbonika also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that the local government elections are conducted in a free, fair, peaceful and credible atmosphere.

The development comes as security agencies continue preparations for the elections, with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps recently deploying 1,300 personnel across the state.