By-election: Police deploy 7,825 personnel in Edo

The Edo State Police Command on Friday said it has deployed 7,825 personnel for the bye-elections on Saturday.

In a statement by the state command PPRO, Moses Yamu, he said the command is imposing a restriction of movement from 12:00 midnight of Friday, August 15, 2025, to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in all areas where elections will be conducted.

He said this measure is to prevent any form of interference, disruption, or breach of peace during the electoral process.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that in line with its mandate to ensure a safe, secure, and peaceful environment for the conduct of the August 16, 2025, by-election, a total of 7,825 police personnel will be deployed across all areas where the election will take place.

“The personnel are drawn from Zone 5 Headquarters, the Edo State Command, Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad (SIS), and the Election Monitoring Team from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.

“This massive deployment is aimed at providing adequate security before, during, and after the elections to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and materials while maintaining law and order.

“Furthermore, the Command is imposing a restriction of movement from 12:00 midnight of Friday, August 15, 2025, to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in all areas where elections will be conducted.

“This measure is to prevent any form of interference, disruption, or breach of peace during the electoral process.”

He further said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has appealed to members of the public to comply with this directive, noting that only those on essential duties with valid identification would be allowed passage.

He also warned that any individual or group found violating the restriction order, or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the election, or undermining the peace, would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values during this exercise.

The command also urged eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear, as adequate arrangements have been made for their safety.

Source: Punch