The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved a strategic redeployment of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of comprehensive security measures ahead of Saturday’s area council elections.
The development was announced by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, who explained that the reshuffle is designed to enhance security coverage, strengthen operational effectiveness, and ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
According to Dantawaye, the redeployment is intended to reinforce operational readiness across police divisions and ensure that officers carry out their responsibilities impartially and professionally during the elections.
“The redeployment is meant to strengthen operational readiness and guarantee that officers discharge their duties fairly and professionally,” he said.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the polls, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies.
“We are committed to upholding law and order before, during, and after the elections. We appeal to all residents to exercise patience, respect the law, and play their part in ensuring a peaceful election,” Dantawaye added.
READ ALSO: IGP Egbetokun appoints AIG Olatunji Disu to head Force CID Annex, Alagbon
The redeployment affects multiple police divisions within the FCT, with officers directed to assume their new postings with immediate effect to ensure adequate coverage of identified flashpoints and polling areas.
In addition to the reshuffle, the FCT Police Command announced a temporary restriction of movement across the territory. The restriction will take effect from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, and remain in place until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21.
The command clarified that the restriction will not apply to essential service providers, accredited election officials, and other authorised personnel involved in the conduct of the elections.
Residents have been advised to remain calm, participate responsibly in the electoral process, and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
The police assured that adequate personnel and logistics have been deployed to secure polling units, collation centres, and other critical infrastructure to prevent disruptions and guarantee a safe environment for voters across the FCT.