Lagos Police Announce Security Measures and Movement Restrictions for July 12 LG Elections

The Lagos State Police Command has announced comprehensive security arrangements ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025. The elections, set to take place across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), will be under tight security to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and safe electoral process for all participants and residents.

To facilitate the effective implementation of these measures, the police, in collaboration with other security and safety agencies under the Interagency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES), have declared a total restriction of vehicular movement across Lagos State. This restriction will be enforced from 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025. It applies to all roads and waterways within the state’s jurisdiction. The restriction is designed to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials, and the general public.

In compliance with the Electoral Act, the Lagos State Police Command has outlined additional security protocols. Armed escorts and security aides are prohibited from accompanying political principals to polling units and collation centers. This measure is intended to eliminate undue influence and intimidation at voting locations. Also, the indiscriminate use of sirens and covered number plates around polling areas is banned. Only essential service vehicles—such as ambulances, fire trucks, and ICCES patrol vehicles—will be permitted during the restriction period. Quasi-security outfits and state-owned security agencies not authorized by the Electoral Act are barred from participating in election security operations.

Exemptions to the vehicular restriction include medical emergency services, accredited Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) officials, accredited election observers, and media practitioners covering the election. These groups are permitted to carry out their duties, provided they comply with relevant electoral guidelines and hold valid LASIEC accreditation.

To ensure strict enforcement of these directives, the Lagos State Police Command and allied security agencies will be fully deployed across the state. Anyone found violating the movement restriction will be arrested and prosecuted without delay. Security personnel have been instructed to operate professionally, respectfully, and firmly while maintaining law and order. Residents are encouraged to adjust their travel plans accordingly, especially those entering Lagos from other parts of the country.

Police Warn Against Electoral Misconduct, Urge Public Cooperation for Safe Lagos Elections

All personnel and stakeholders involved in the election, including security operatives, media representatives, and observers, are required to wear official LASIEC-issued identification tags throughout the election period. Individuals found without valid identification tags will be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers and demonstrate civility while performing their civic duties. He emphasized the importance of peaceful participation and urged residents to comply fully with the established regulations as they exercise their democratic rights.

Furthermore, the Command issued a stern warning to miscreants, hoodlums, and political thugs to steer clear of polling units, collation centers, and other designated electoral areas. Any attempt to disrupt the election will be met with firm legal action. Offenders and their sponsors will be arrested and prosecuted.

All fifteen political parties contesting in the elections have been urged to caution their members and supporters to act in accordance with the Electoral Act. The police warned against any form of overzealousness or theatrics that could disturb the peace or compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Parents and guardians are also advised to counsel their children and wards against engaging in violence, intimidation, or harassment during the election.

Finally, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the police via the designated emergency lines: 08063299264 and 08065154338. The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a safe, credible, and hitch-free election and thanked Lagosians in advance for their anticipated cooperation.