The Rivers State Police Command has announced a temporary restriction of movement in seven local government areas ahead of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-Election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Command said the restriction will affect residents of Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo, and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas.
According to the statement, the movement of persons, vehicles, and motorcycles within the affected areas will be restricted from 12:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral process.
The police explained that the restriction is aimed at enhancing public safety, protecting electoral officials and materials, preventing electoral malpractices, and creating a secure environment for voters to exercise their civic rights without fear, intimidation, or harassment.
The Command, however, noted that 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 authorized essential service providers would be exempted from the restriction.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that anyone found violating the restriction order or engaging in electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, thuggery, or any other unlawful activity would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Adepoju urged political parties, candidates, supporters, community leaders, youth groups, and residents of the affected local government areas to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies throughout the election.
“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 reassured residents that robust security arrangements 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 electoral exercise.
The Command encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies. It reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that eligible voters exercise their constitutional rights in a safe and secure environment.
