Lagos elections movement ban announced as police enforce lockdown

Lagos elections movement ban begins 3am July 12 as police restrict vehicles on roads and waterways during local polls, with only essential services exempted

The Lagos State Police Command has issued a public notice restricting vehicular movement from 3am to 3pm for the Lagos Local Government Elections.

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There will be a total Lagos elections movement ban across the entire state on Saturday, 12 July 2025.

According to a statement by the Command, the restriction applies to all roads and waterways within the jurisdiction of Lagos State.

This development forms part of heightened security and electoral protocols to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

The Police stated clearly that no vehicle movement will be allowed, including those operated by quasi-security outfits or even some state-owned agencies.

“No state-owned security agency is authorised to participate in the election security operations,” the notice reads, citing provisions in the Electoral Act.

Furthermore, the Police banned the indiscriminate use of sirens and covered number plates, a measure aimed at preventing abuse and impersonation during the poll hours.

Additionally, the Police issued strict warnings to political thugs, miscreants and hoodlums.

The Command stressed that polling units, collation centres, and other electoral grounds would be under tight surveillance.

Anyone caught trying to disrupt the electoral process will face the full force of the law.

No Armed Escorts Allowed

The Lagos State Police reiterated that armed escorts are prohibited.

This includes those attached to VIPs and political figures.

This measure, according to the statement, is part of efforts to ensure neutrality and safety during the exercise.

However, there are exemptions.

We urge all residents to cooperate fully to ensure a peaceful election.

Only essential service providers, medical emergency teams, duly accredited LASIEC officials, election observers, and media practitioners with valid LASIEC accreditation will be permitted to move during the restricted hours.

The Police added that all accredited persons must be easily identifiable.

“All stakeholders, including the media and election observers accredited by LASIEC, must wear their identification tags** throughout the election period,” the statement emphasised.

A police spokesperson added, “The restriction is not just a traffic measure. It is an electoral security necessity.”

Many Lagos residents are already reacting to the announcement, planning for early market and travel runs ahead of Saturday.

“This is expected, we’ve seen it before,” said a businesswoman in Ikeja. “But the 3am start makes it tough. Markets must adjust, and people need to stay indoors.”

Call for Order

The Police used the statement to remind Lagosians that their cooperation is key to a peaceful and credible election.

The statement closed with a firm appeal for order: “Let’s all play our part in securing democracy in Lagos State.”

Saturday’s elections are being coordinated by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

The outcome will determine leadership across local councils and wards for the next term.

Also read: Tensions mount as Lagos political parties face internal crises ahead of 2025 LG election

Lagos residents are advised to stay updated and make necessary arrangements ahead of the temporary lockdown.

Ibrahim Onipede