The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has declared a 12-hour restriction on movement throughout the territory in preparation for the upcoming Area Council elections.
The restriction will take effect on Saturday, 21 February 2026, the designated date for voting across all polling units within the FCT.
According to the Command, residents’ movement will be limited between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except for essential service workers and properly accredited election officials.
In a statement, the Police explained that the directive is part of extensive security measures put in place to guarantee a peaceful, free, and orderly electoral exercise.
The Command further revealed that substantial security deployments have already been finalized across the FCT.
It added that the operation is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others. “The public is hereby informed that there will be a restriction on movement across the FCT from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on 21 February 2026, except for essential service providers and election officials,” the statement read.
Residents were urged to cooperate fully with security personnel and adhere strictly to all guidelines issued for the election period.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Miller Dantawaye, directed all deployed officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ensure adequate security coverage at polling units and collation centres.
He emphasised the need to guarantee a peaceful, free and fair electoral process.
He further cautioned officers to remain vigilant, impartial and courteous in the discharge of their duties, while respecting the fundamental rights of all citizens.
The Command also encouraged members of the public to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the Police.