Dare Babalola
The Rivers State Police Command has announced a restriction of movement in designated areas for the Rivers State Constituency by-election on Saturday, 21 February 2026, between 12 noon and 6 pm.
The two constituencies involved in the election are Ahoada East Constituency 2, where the former lawmaker, Hon. Edison Ehie, resigned his membership of the House, and Khana Constituency 2, whose representative, Hon. Dinebari Loolo, passed away after an illness in September 2023.
The police stated that movement will be restricted in the two constituencies and surrounding areas to ensure a peaceful election, while also announcing a significant security deployment in Khana and Ahoada East LGAs to prevent disturbances.
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday and sent to newsmen.
She further disclosed that the restriction of movement will take effect from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday. She urged residents to comply with the directive and avoid carrying weapons or any dangerous items.
The statement reads, “In preparation for the election and in order to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election exercise, the Police have issued a restriction of movement within and enviros of Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas.
“The restriction of movement will take effect from 1200 hrs on the Saturday to 1800hrs on the same date.
“During this period, there will be a massive deployment of security personnel across the two LGAs with intention to forestall any breakdown of law and order and to ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during, and after the election.
“Security operatives will be stationed at strategic locations, polling units, and major roads to prevent violence, electoral malpractice, and other criminal activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.”
It continued, “Members of the public are therefore advised to comply strictly with the restriction of movement order, avoid loitering or gathering unnecessarily around polling units.
“Refrain from carrying weapons or any suspicious items. Report any suspicious movement or activities detrimental to the election process. Conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the electoral laws.”
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, advised all political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws guiding the conduct of elections.
He warns that any individual or group found violating the restriction order or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peace will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
CP Adepoju also called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used as political instruments of violence or disorder during the election process.
“The cooperation of residents is highly required to ensure a peaceful and successful bye-election in the affected constituencies.
“The Police and other security agencies remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all law-abiding citizens to exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation,” the statement added.
