As part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free bye election for Ahoada East 11 and Khana 11 constituencies, holding Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Rivers State Police command has imposed a ban on human and vehicular movement.
In a statement on Friday, February 20, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Irinke-Koko, revealed that the movement restriction would take effect from 12 o’clock midnight on the day of the election till six in the evening.
Irinke-Koko also noted that security personnel would be deployed across the two local government areas in order to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
The deployment, she explained, is with the intention to ensure that lives and properties of residents are protected before, during and after the election.
According to her, “in preparation for the election and in order to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible, election exercise, the Police has issued a restriction of movement within and enviros of Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas.
“The restriction of movement will take effect from 1200 hrs on the Saturday to 1800hrs, of same date.
“During this period, there will be massive deployment of security personnel across the two LGAs with intention to forestall any breakdown of law and order and to ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during, and after the election.”
The State Police spokesperson further revealed that “security operatives will be stationed at strategic locations, polling units, and major roads to prevent violence, electoral malpractice, and other criminal activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.”
She urged members of the public to comply strictly with the restriction of movement order, avoid loitering or gathering unnecessarily around polling units, refrain from carrying weapons or any suspicious items.
Also, the police appealed to residents to report any suspicious movement or activities detrimental to the election process and conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the electoral laws.”
On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has charged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws guiding the conduct of elections.
Adepoju warnes that any individual or group found violating the restriction order or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peace will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
The Commissioner of Police also called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used as political instruments of violence or disorder during the election process.
He added that “the cooperation of residents is highly required to ensure a peaceful and successful bye-election in the affected constituencies. The Police and other security agencies remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all law-abiding citizens to exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.”
