The Rivers State Police Command has announced a restriction of movement in parts of the state ahead of the State House of Assembly constituency by-elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The restriction will take effect from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. on election day in Ahoada East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II, the two areas where the by-elections will be conducted.
Ahoada East Constituency II became vacant following the resignation of former lawmaker, Hon. Edison Ehie, while the Khana Constituency II seat fell vacant after the death of its representative, Hon. Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023 after a brief illness.
In a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the measure was aimed at ensuring a peaceful, free and credible electoral process.
“In preparation for the election and in order to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election exercise, the Police have issued a restriction of movement within and environs of Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas,” the statement said.
“The restriction of movement will take effect from 1200 hours to 1800 hours on Saturday,” it added.
The police announced a major security deployment across the two local government areas to forestall violence and other disruptions.
“During this period, there will be a massive deployment of security personnel across the two LGAs with the intention to forestall any breakdown of law and order and to ensure the protection of lives and property before, during, and after the election,” Iringe-Koko said.
“Security operatives will be stationed at strategic locations, polling units, and major roads to prevent violence, electoral malpractice, and other criminal activities capable of disrupting the electoral process,” she added.
Residents were urged to comply strictly with the directive and avoid activities capable of undermining the election.
“Members of the public are advised to comply strictly with the restriction of movement order, avoid loitering or unnecessary gathering around polling units, and refrain from carrying weapons or any suspicious items,” the statement said.
“Report any suspicious movement or activities detrimental to the election process and conduct yourselves peacefully in accordance with the electoral laws.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, also warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against acts of violence.
“All political parties, candidates and their supporters must shun violence and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws guiding the conduct of elections,” Adepoju said.
He cautioned that violators of the restriction order or those involved in electoral violence would face arrest and prosecution.
“Any individual or group found violating the restriction order or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peace will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he warned.
Adepoju further urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used as instruments of political violence.
“Parents and guardians should warn their wards against being used as tools for violence or disorder during the election process,” he said.
The police assured residents of their commitment to safeguarding the election and protecting citizens.
“The cooperation of residents is highly required to ensure a peaceful and successful by-election in the affected constituencies. The Police and other security agencies remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all law-abiding citizens to exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation,” the statement added.
