FCT Police Enforce 12-Hour Movement Ban on Election Day to Secure Abuja Area Council Polls"

 The FCT Police Command has imposed a 12-hour restriction on movement across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the Abuja Area Council Elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

In a statement released by the Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the restriction will take effect from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day. This measure applies to all residents and vehicular movement in the territory, with exemptions granted only to essential service providers (such as medical personnel and emergency responders) and duly accredited election officials, observers, and security personnel.

The decision, announced by Commissioner of Police Miller G. Dantawaye, forms part of a broader security strategy that includes massive deployment of police personnel across polling units and collation centers. The operation involves collaboration with sister agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Residents have been urged to cooperate fully with security operatives, remain law-abiding, and report any suspicious activities through the Command's emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

This restriction is separate from an additional movement ban announced by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which runs from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, following presidential approval to facilitate voter access and prevent disruptions. Friday, February 20, was also declared a work-free day in the FCT to allow residents to travel to their voting areas.

The elections, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will fill chairmanship and councillorship positions across the six Area Councils in the FCT.