Lagos Police Announce Total Lockdown Ahead of July 12 Local Government Elections
In preparation for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, the Lagos State Police Command has declared a total restriction on vehicular movement across the state from 3:00 am to 3:00 pm on election day.
This directive, issued on Wednesday, is part of comprehensive measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral process across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos.
According to the police, the decision was reached in collaboration with other security and safety agencies under the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). The objective is to protect voters, electoral officials, ad hoc staff, and the overall integrity of the electoral process.
“The restriction will be strictly enforced across all roads and waterways under Lagos State jurisdiction,” said CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police command’s spokesperson.
Additional security measures have also been announced, including a ban on armed escorts, security aides at polling and collation centres, and the indiscriminate use of sirens or vehicles with covered number plates.
Only vehicles involved in essential services—such as ambulances, fire services, and security agency patrols—will be exempt from the restriction. Others allowed include LASIEC-accredited officials, election observers, journalists with official tags, and emergency medical personnel.
The police emphasized that any individual without proper identification will be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted according to the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, called on residents to remain peaceful and cooperate fully with law enforcement personnel during the election.
“All miscreants and political thugs are strongly warned to steer clear of polling units and collation centres,” the statement warned. “Security forces will not hesitate to enforce the law to its fullest.”
Political parties and parents are urged to caution their members and wards against any form of electoral violence, intimidation, or disruption. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to police emergency lines.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a safe, orderly, and credible election process.
