Police imposes 12-hour movement restriction ahead of Saturday elections in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Friday declared a 12-hour restriction of movement in Abuja ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the restriction would run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on February 21, 2026. Essential service personnel and accredited election officials are exempt from the curfew.

Adeh explained that the directive, approved by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller G. Dantawaye, aims to guarantee a peaceful and secure electoral exercise.

“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 said.

Residents have been advised to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities or individuals via the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

Earlier, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, announced Friday as a work-free day and imposed a wider movement restriction from 8:00 p.m. Friday until 6:00 p.m. Saturday to strengthen election security.

The minister emphasized orderly conduct, stating, “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.”

Citizens are urged to follow the regulations and exercise their voting rights responsibly.