The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed security personnel across the territory and announced a restriction of movement ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
The restriction will run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day, with exceptions for essential service providers and officials involved in the exercise.
The deployment is part of a broad security plan designed to maintain order during the polls. The police said officers have been stationed across the six area councils to ensure safety at polling units and collation centres.
Other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, are working alongside the police.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved candidates from 17 political parties to contest in the elections. A total of 68 positions will be filled, made up of six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship seats across the six area councils in the FCT.
INEC also disclosed that about 1.68 million registered voters are eligible to vote in the exercise.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, Josephine Adeh, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, has directed officers on election duty to conduct themselves professionally and remain neutral while carrying out their responsibilities.
She said officers have been instructed to respect the rights of residents and ensure that voters can participate without fear.
Adeh also informed residents about the temporary restriction of movement across the FCT during voting hours.
She urged the public to cooperate with security personnel and follow all guidelines put in place for the smooth conduct of the election. According to her, measures have been arranged to provide adequate protection before, during and after the polls.
Security agencies have assured residents that they are prepared to respond swiftly to any threat that may arise.
The police added that the steps taken are meant to prevent disruption and maintain peace throughout the election period.