FCT Police Announce Movement Restriction for Saturday’s Area Council Elections

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has declared a total restriction of movement from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Area Council elections.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, clarified that only individuals on essential services including medical personnel, accredited election observers, and media practitioners are exempt from this order. The measure is intended to secure the electoral process and prevent the unauthorized movement of persons who might seek to disrupt the polls.

Inter-Agency Security Coalition
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, has authorized a massive deployment of personnel to provide comprehensive security across all polling units and collation centers.

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This operation is a collaborative effort involving a “rich exchange of resources” with several sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and Navy, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Directives for Professional Conduct
CP Dantawaye has issued a strict mandate to all deployed officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and courtesy. He emphasized that while security is paramount, the rights of citizens must be respected throughout the exercise.

“Officers must remain vigilant and ensure a peaceful environment that guarantees a free and fair electoral process,” Dantawaye stated.

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Public Advisory and Emergency Lines
The Command has urged FCT residents to remain law-abiding and to come out in large numbers to exercise their civic duties without fear. To support the “see something, say something” initiative, the Police have provided emergency hotlines for reporting suspicious activities or security breaches: 0803 200 3913 and 0806 158 1938.

Socio-Economic Context
The February 21 Area Council elections are critical for local governance in the FCT, influencing grassroots development and service delivery. The 12-hour restriction, while necessary for security, will temporarily pause commercial activities within the territory. Residents are advised to complete essential shopping and travel before the 6:00 am deadline on Saturday to avoid inconvenience.