The Edo State Police Command has announced the deployment of 7,825 officers in preparation for the by-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.
The move is aimed at ensuring a safe, orderly, and peaceful voting process across all affected areas.
In a statement issued on Friday by the state command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the police revealed that a restriction of movement will be enforced from 12:00 midnight on Friday, August 15, 2025, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in all constituencies where elections will take place. The measure is intended to prevent any form of interference, disruption, or threat to public peace during the electoral process.
According to the statement, “In line with our mandate to secure a peaceful environment for the conduct of the August 16 by-election, a total of 7,825 personnel will be deployed across all voting areas. These officers have been drawn from Zone 5 Headquarters, the Edo State Command, the Police Mobile Force, the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), and the Election Monitoring Team from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.”
The police emphasized that this massive security deployment is designed to safeguard voters, electoral officials, and election materials before, during, and after the polls, while maintaining law and order throughout the state.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, appealed to the public to comply fully with the movement restriction, highlighting that only individuals performing essential duties with valid identification will be permitted to move freely during this period.
He further warned that anyone found violating the order, engaging in acts capable of disrupting the election, or attempting to undermine public peace, will face legal consequences.
Reiterating the command’s commitment to neutrality and professionalism, the police assured that democratic values would be protected throughout the exercise. The statement also encouraged eligible voters to exercise their civic duty confidently, assuring that comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure their safety.