Lagos police adjust restriction on election day, revising movement hours to 6am–3pm for the July 12 polls to accommodate medical and travel emergencies

Lagos police adjust restriction on election day, easing the previously announced schedule to accommodate residents with critical needs during the July 12, 2025, local government elections.

Also read: Lagos elections movement ban announced as police enforce lockdown

Movement across the state is now restricted from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., not from 3:00 a.m. as earlier stated.

The revised directive was made public on Thursday in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on behalf of Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.

The police noted that the adjustment seeks to address concerns raised by citizens regarding medical emergencies, international travel, and important pre-scheduled appointments.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an adjustment to the previously announced restriction of vehicular and waterways movement for the Local Government Elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State,” the statement began.

“To alleviate the problem of residents with critical medical emergencies and appointments, and those with longtime international travel plans in and out of the country, the restriction of vehicular movement is hereby readjusted to commence at 6:00 AM and end at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025, and not from 3:00 AM as earlier announced. Members of the public are enjoined to cooperate and respect the new timing,” Hundeyin added.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s readiness to ensure peace and order throughout the voting process.

He encouraged Lagos residents to stay vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. Emergency contact lines provided by the police include 08063299264 and 08065154338.

Despite the revised window for movement, all other directives previously issued by the police remain fully in effect.

To alleviate the problem of residents with critical medical emergencies and appointments… the restriction… is hereby readjusted.

Movement is still restricted across all roads and waterways within Lagos State’s 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs.

Essential workers such as medical emergency personnel, emergency responders, accredited officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), election observers, and journalists with valid LASIEC identification will be permitted to move during the restricted period.

Vehicles with covered number plates, sirens, and armed escorts are strictly prohibited during the restricted hours.

Quasi-security organisations and non-accredited state security outfits are also barred from movement unless specifically authorised by LASIEC.

The Command issued a clear warning to political thugs, miscreants, and potential troublemakers to stay away from polling units, collation centres, and other designated electoral spaces.

Any attempt to disrupt the electoral process will be met with firm action, the police stated.

Lagos residents are urged to prioritise safety, comply with the guidelines, and contribute to a peaceful and orderly voting experience.

Authorities reiterated their call for cooperation from all stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the polls and uphold democratic order.

With the new movement restriction hours, the Lagos State Police Command aims to strike a balance between electoral security and the legitimate needs of residents, especially those with time-sensitive obligations.

The Command expressed confidence in the public’s support for the revised directive, assuring that security personnel will be strategically deployed to manage traffic, enforce compliance, and maintain public order throughout the election day.

Also read: Nigeria police pension protest threatens nationwide strike by August

As preparations continue for the July 12 local government polls, the police reaffirm their commitment to a free, fair, and credible process that reflects the will of the people across the state’s diverse communities.

Source: Read more at vanguardngr.com