Movement into and out of Osun State will be restricted from midnight on Friday as security agencies prepare for Saturday’s governorship election.
The Nigeria Police Force said the restriction would cover major roads and border routes leading into the state. The Army is also expected to block the entry points as part of efforts to maintain peace and order during the election.
Only people carrying out essential duties, security operations and voters travelling to cast their ballots will be allowed to move during the restriction.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Thursday.
He said the measure was part of a wider security plan to prevent suspected troublemakers from entering the state.
The police have deployed more than 15,000 personnel across Osun State for the governorship election.
About 30 Commissioners of Police will also take part in the operation, with each of the 30 Local Government Areas having a Commissioner to coordinate security activities.
A Deputy Inspector-General of Police will supervise the overall security operation during the election. Deputy Commissioners of Police and senior Mobile Police Force officers will also assist with security operations across the local government areas.
The police said armed Mobile Police Force units had been deployed across the state.
Each local government area will have a unit of about 60 officers, while two additional units have been deployed to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo.
A helicopter and drone team have also arrived in the state to conduct aerial surveillance.
The equipment will be used to monitor areas of concern before, during and immediately after the election.
The police said preparations for the election began about three weeks before the poll, as security agencies worked to deploy personnel and equipment across the state.
Residents were also warned against electoral offences, including intimidation, stalking, vote buying and ballot-box snatching.
Parents and guardians were urged to warn their children against taking part in activities that could lead to arrest or prosecution.
A mobile court will also be available to handle cases involving people arrested for electoral offences during the election.
