The Anambra State Police Command has announced a total restriction of vehicular movements across the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
According to the Command, the restriction will take effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day and will cover all forms of transportation within and across the state.
The measure, police said, is part of comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The directive, which affects both interstate and intrastate routes, means that all vehicles—private, commercial, and public—will be grounded during the specified hours.
The Command emphasized that the restriction includes major highways linking Anambra to neighbouring states.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, revealed that the decision was reached after a high-level security meeting held at the State Police Headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
The meeting, which brought together all heads of security agencies in the state, was convened to harmonize operational strategies and prevent potential threats to the electoral exercise.
“The restriction of vehicular movement is aimed at preventing political thugs, miscreants, and other criminal elements from disrupting the election,” the statement read. “It will also help to ensure that security personnel can effectively monitor all parts of the state.”
SP Ikenga noted that the ban covers private cars, commercial buses, tricycles, motorcycles, trucks, and shuttle vehicles.
He added that only those on essential duties would be exempted from the restriction.
These include accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), journalists with valid accreditation tags, medical personnel, emergency responders, and essential service providers.
However, the police stressed that even those exempted must carry valid identification and clearance tags at all times for verification by security operatives on duty.
Residents and travelers have been advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary movements within the restriction period. Those traveling through Anambra to other states are encouraged to consider alternative routes.
The Command appealed to residents to comply fully with the directive, describing it as a proactive step to guarantee peace and order throughout the election period.
SP Ikenga assured that security agencies have been strategically deployed to cover all parts of the state, including border communities, flashpoints, and polling units.
He reiterated the commitment of the Police and sister agencies to providing a safe environment where eligible voters can freely exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation.
“The Command enjoins the good people of Anambra to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of security personnel deployed for election duty,” Ikenga stated.
The Police further warned that anyone found flouting the movement restriction or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the election process will face the full weight of the law.
With this directive, Anambra joins the list of Nigerian states where total vehicular lockdowns have become a standard security measure during major elections to deter criminal infiltration and safeguard electoral integrity.
