The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive imposing a restriction on vehicular movement and banning security aides during bye-elections scheduled for Saturday in 26 states. 

The restriction will be in effect from 12 am to 6 pm. 

States affected by the directive include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

The directive exempts individuals on essential duties, such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, election observers, accredited journalists, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters, among others.

In Lagos, a bye-election will be held in Surulere 1 Federal Constituency to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

Furthermore, the directive bans security aides and escorts from accompanying politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election. 

State-established and owned security outfits, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits are also prohibited from participating in election security management.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities.