FCT police impose 12-hour movement restriction ahead of area council elections
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Friday announced a 12-hour restriction of movement across the nation’s capital ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday. According to a
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Friday announced a 12-hour restriction of movement across the nation’s capital ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, movement will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on February 21, 2026. The restriction exempts essential service providers and duly accredited election officials.
Adeh said the measure, approved by the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, is intended to ensure a peaceful, secure, and credible electoral process.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Miller G. Dantawaye, has announced a restriction of movement across the Federal Capital Territory from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 21st February, 2026, in view of the scheduled Area Council Elections,” she stated.
Residents were urged to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious persons or activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier declared Friday a work-free day and announced a broader restriction of movement from 8:00 p.m. on Friday to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday as part of security measures for the February 21 polls.
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The minister said, “As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.
“At this juncture, with the approval of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a Work Free Day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections.
“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8 pm on Friday, February 20, to 6 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.”
Residents are enjoined to abide by the rules as they go to vote for the candidate of their choice.
