Police lock down Anambra, ban vehicular movement ahead governorship election

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Anambra State Police Command has announced a total restriction of vehicular movement across the state and on all interstate highways on Saturday, 8th November 2025, as part of heightened security measures for the governorship election.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the restriction will take effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Election Day.

The directive, he said, is aimed at preventing the movement of political thugs and criminal elements who may attempt to disrupt the electoral process.

The decision was reached during a joint security meeting held on 5th November 2025 at the Police State Headquarters in Awka, involving heads of all security agencies operating in the state.

The ban covers all forms of motorised transport, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, motorcycles, and shuttle buses.

However, exemptions have been granted to persons on essential duties, such as accredited INEC officials, journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and essential service providers, who must carry valid identification and clearance tags at all times.

Ikenga urged residents and travellers to adhere strictly to the restriction, noting that it was designed to safeguard lives and property and ensure a peaceful voting atmosphere where citizens can freely choose their preferred candidates.

He added that adequate security personnel have been deployed across the 21 local government areas to enforce compliance and maintain order throughout the exercise.

“The Command calls on the electorate to remain law-abiding and cooperate fully with security operatives deployed to ensure the success of the election,” the statement read.

The police also advised interstate travellers to take alternative routes to avoid inconvenience during the restriction period.