Ahead of the Saturday, March 18 governorship and state Houses of Assembly eelctions, the Inpector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has on Thursday ordered movement restrictions from 12 am to 6 pm on election day in all states where elections will be conducted.

A statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP olumuyiwa Adejobi in Abuja, said only personnel on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, and related services are exempted.

Adejobi said the directive also excludes the Federal Capital Territory where no election will be conducted.

The IGP also reiterates the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

He added that "state-established and owned security outfits/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management."

"The Inspector General of Police, therefore, urges all citizens to be law abiding during and after the elections even as he assures that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered," the statement said.

He also urged the general public to contact the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters via 08033440189 (DIG Operations), 08033027731 (AIG FEDOPS), and 08034040439 (CP Elections), the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ on Android and ios, and via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line on 08031230631, to request emergency security response.

"Similarly, other election situation room numbers which have been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms will be repeatedly released by concerned State Police Commands for necessary emergency contact," the police spokesman said.