RismadarVoice Reporters, June 19, 2026
The Rivers State Police Command has announced a temporary restriction of movement in six local government areas ahead of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District by-election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The affected local government areas are Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, and Opobo/Nkoro. According to the Command, the restriction will commence at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, and remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.
The measure is part of security arrangements aimed at ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral process. The police said the restriction is designed to enhance public safety, protect election officials and materials, prevent electoral malpractices, and create a secure environment for voters to exercise their civic rights without intimidation or harassment.
Exempted from the restriction are accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security personnel on election duty, ambulance and emergency service providers, fire service personnel, and other authorised essential service workers.
The Command warned that anyone found violating the restriction order or engaging in activities capable of disrupting the election, including electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, and thuggery, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, called on political parties, candidates, supporters, community leaders, youth groups, and residents of the affected areas to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the electoral process.
He assured residents that robust security arrangements have been put in place in collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard lives, property, electoral personnel, and materials, while guaranteeing a peaceful and credible election.
The police also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines.
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that every eligible voter exercises their constitutional right in a safe and secure environment. It urged all stakeholders to uphold peace and respect the law to make the by-election a model of democratic excellence.
