The Rivers State Police Command has announced a temporary restriction of movement across seven local government areas in the state ahead of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District by-election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The affected local government areas are Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo and Opobo/Nkoro.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the restriction will commence at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, and remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.
The police said the measure forms part of comprehensive security arrangements aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, free, fair and credible electoral process.
“The restriction is intended to enhance public safety, protect electoral officials and materials, prevent electoral malpractices and create a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their civic responsibility without fear, intimidation or harassment,” the statement said.
The Command, however, exempted accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security personnel on election duty, ambulance and emergency service providers, fire service personnel and other duly authorised essential service providers from the restriction.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that anyone found violating the movement order or engaging in activities capable of disrupting the electoral process would face the full weight of the law.
He specifically cautioned against electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, thuggery and other unlawful acts that could undermine the integrity of the election.
Adepoju urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents of the affected local government areas to remain peaceful, law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies throughout the electoral process.
“The success of the election depends on the collective commitment of all citizens to uphold the rule of law and promote a culture of peace,” he said.
The police commissioner also assured residents that robust security measures had been put in place in collaboration with other security and relevant agencies to safeguard lives and property, protect electoral materials and ensure a peaceful conduct of the by-election.
The Command encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through its Complaint Response Unit and Control Room emergency lines.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining law and order, the Command called on residents to uphold peace and respect the law to make the Rivers South-East Senatorial District by-election a model of democratic excellence.
