Inside Edo
Bye Elections: Edo Police deploys 7,825 officers, restricts movement for polls
Written By: Francis Ogbuagu
15 Aug 2025 01:40 PM
Benin, Edo – The Edo State Police Command has announced a robust security arrangement for the forthcoming 16 August by-elections, with the deployment of no fewer than 7,825 police personnel across all affected constituencies.
The move, according to the Command, is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure a safe, secure, and peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after voting.
Massive Security Deployment Across Edo
The personnel are drawn from various formations, including:
Zone 5 Police Headquarters
Edo State Police Command
Police Mobile Force (PMF)
Special Intervention Squad (SIS)
Election Monitoring Team from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, said the extensive deployment underscores the Force’s readiness to protect voters, electoral officials, election materials, and all stakeholders involved in the process.
“We have made adequate arrangements to safeguard lives and property. Our officers will be on ground in strategic locations to respond swiftly to any incident,” Agbonika stated.
Restriction of Movement
In addition to the deployment, the Edo Police Command has announced a restriction of movement in all election areas.
The restriction will begin at 12:00 midnight on Friday, 15 August 2025, and will remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 16 August 2025.
This measure, the Command explained, is intended to prevent any form of interference, disruption, or breach of peace during the electoral process.
CP Agbonika emphasised that only individuals on essential duties—such as medical personnel, accredited journalists, election observers, and security officials—with valid identification will be permitted passage during the restriction period.
Warning to Potential Troublemakers
The Edo Police Command has warned individuals and groups planning to flout the restriction order or engage in activities capable of disrupting the elections.
“Anyone caught violating the restriction order, attempting to cause chaos, or undermining the peace will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the Commissioner stressed.
He further reiterated that officers have been briefed to act with neutrality, professionalism, and strict adherence to democratic values.
Assurance to the Public
The police have appealed to all eligible voters in Edo State to come out in their numbers and perform their civic responsibility without fear.
“We assure members of the public of their safety. Adequate security arrangements have been put in place, not just at polling units but also in communities, to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections,” CP Agbonika said.
The Command urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through emergency hotlines.
Background: The Edo By-Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting by-elections in selected constituencies across Edo State on Saturday, 16 August 2025. These elections will fill vacant legislative seats following recent court rulings and resignations.
Security has been a major focus ahead of the polls, especially following concerns about political tension in some areas. The police have stated that the large-scale deployment is a proactive measure to prevent intimidation, ballot snatching, or violence.
Security Tips for Election Day
The Edo State Police Command also released key safety guidelines for residents:
Stay informed – Follow updates from credible news sources and official police channels.
Respect the movement restriction – Only move within permitted areas if on essential duty.
Avoid political gatherings outside polling units – These can quickly escalate into conflict.
Report suspicious activities – Use the nearest police station or dedicated election hotlines.
Keep identification handy – For voters, ensure your PVC is with you; for essential workers, carry valid ID cards.
Police Neutrality in Focus
In recent years, the conduct of security agencies during elections has been a matter of public debate.
CP Agbonika reassured the public that the Edo State Police Command remains apolitical and will treat all political parties and candidates equally.
“Our loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the people we serve,” he affirmed.
The Command has also deployed election monitors to ensure that officers on the field comply with operational guidelines and the Police Code of Conduct.
Final Appeal
The Edo Police Command concluded its statement with a call for peace and cooperation.
“Democracy thrives when elections are conducted in a safe and orderly manner. We urge all residents to play their part in ensuring a successful exercise,” the statement read.
With security preparations in full swing, Edo State now turns its focus to Saturday’s polls, hoping for a peaceful, transparent, and credible election process.
The move, according to the Command, is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure a safe, secure, and peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after voting.
Massive Security Deployment Across Edo
The personnel are drawn from various formations, including:
Zone 5 Police Headquarters
Edo State Police Command
Police Mobile Force (PMF)
Special Intervention Squad (SIS)
Election Monitoring Team from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, said the extensive deployment underscores the Force’s readiness to protect voters, electoral officials, election materials, and all stakeholders involved in the process.
“We have made adequate arrangements to safeguard lives and property. Our officers will be on ground in strategic locations to respond swiftly to any incident,” Agbonika stated.
Restriction of Movement
In addition to the deployment, the Edo Police Command has announced a restriction of movement in all election areas.
The restriction will begin at 12:00 midnight on Friday, 15 August 2025, and will remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 16 August 2025.
This measure, the Command explained, is intended to prevent any form of interference, disruption, or breach of peace during the electoral process.
CP Agbonika emphasised that only individuals on essential duties—such as medical personnel, accredited journalists, election observers, and security officials—with valid identification will be permitted passage during the restriction period.
Warning to Potential Troublemakers
The Edo Police Command has warned individuals and groups planning to flout the restriction order or engage in activities capable of disrupting the elections.
“Anyone caught violating the restriction order, attempting to cause chaos, or undermining the peace will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the Commissioner stressed.
He further reiterated that officers have been briefed to act with neutrality, professionalism, and strict adherence to democratic values.
Assurance to the Public
The police have appealed to all eligible voters in Edo State to come out in their numbers and perform their civic responsibility without fear.
“We assure members of the public of their safety. Adequate security arrangements have been put in place, not just at polling units but also in communities, to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections,” CP Agbonika said.
The Command urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through emergency hotlines.
Background: The Edo By-Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting by-elections in selected constituencies across Edo State on Saturday, 16 August 2025. These elections will fill vacant legislative seats following recent court rulings and resignations.
Security has been a major focus ahead of the polls, especially following concerns about political tension in some areas. The police have stated that the large-scale deployment is a proactive measure to prevent intimidation, ballot snatching, or violence.
Security Tips for Election Day
The Edo State Police Command also released key safety guidelines for residents:
Stay informed – Follow updates from credible news sources and official police channels.
Respect the movement restriction – Only move within permitted areas if on essential duty.
Avoid political gatherings outside polling units – These can quickly escalate into conflict.
Report suspicious activities – Use the nearest police station or dedicated election hotlines.
Keep identification handy – For voters, ensure your PVC is with you; for essential workers, carry valid ID cards.
Police Neutrality in Focus
In recent years, the conduct of security agencies during elections has been a matter of public debate.
CP Agbonika reassured the public that the Edo State Police Command remains apolitical and will treat all political parties and candidates equally.
“Our loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the people we serve,” he affirmed.
The Command has also deployed election monitors to ensure that officers on the field comply with operational guidelines and the Police Code of Conduct.
Final Appeal
The Edo Police Command concluded its statement with a call for peace and cooperation.
“Democracy thrives when elections are conducted in a safe and orderly manner. We urge all residents to play their part in ensuring a successful exercise,” the statement read.
With security preparations in full swing, Edo State now turns its focus to Saturday’s polls, hoping for a peaceful, transparent, and credible election process.
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