Police Impose 12-Hour Movement Restriction For FCT Council Elections
The Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has announced a 12-hour restriction on movement across Abuja and its environs ahead of the council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, said the movement will be restricted to ensure security and the smooth conduct of the polls.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Miller G. Dantawaye, psc., has announced a restriction of movement across the Federal Capital Territory from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, 21st February, 2026, in view of the scheduled Area Council Elections,” the statement read.
The police clarified that the restriction will apply to all residents, except essential service providers and duly accredited election officials.
The command also called on residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies.
“The FCT Police Command urges residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a safe, free, and credible electoral process,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a work-free day ahead of the council elections.
In a broadcast, Wike said the decision, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is to enable residents to travel to their communities to vote.
In contrast to the police announcement, the minister declared a separate restriction of movement across the FCT from 8:00 p.m. on Friday to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, directing security agencies to ensure compliance.
Wike urged residents to turn out in large numbers and conduct themselves peacefully, expressing optimism that the polls would produce leaders who would promote development and stability in the territory.
