Residents of seven Local Government Areas in Rivers State will face a temporary restriction of movement as security agencies intensify preparations for the highly anticipated Rivers South-East Senatorial District By-Election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The Rivers State Police Command has announced that movement of persons, vehicles, and motorcycles will be restricted from 12:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Affected Local Government Areas

The restriction applies to:

Andoni

Tai

Khana

Gokana

Eleme

Oyigbo

Opobo/Nkoro

According to the Police, the measure is part of a comprehensive security strategy designed to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election.

Why the Restriction?

The Command stated that the temporary movement ban is aimed at:

Protecting electoral officials and materials

Preventing electoral violence and vote-buying

Enhancing public safety

Preventing voter intimidation and thuggery

Ensuring a secure environment for voters

Security agencies have assured residents that robust operational measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property throughout the electoral process.

Who Is Exempted?

The restriction will not apply to:

Accredited INEC officials

Security personnel on election duty

Ambulance and emergency service providers

Fire Service personnel

Other authorized essential service providers

Strong Warning to Election Offenders

The Rivers State Police Command has warned that anyone found violating the restriction order or engaging in electoral malpractice will face the full weight of the law.

Offences include:

Electoral violence

Vote-buying

Voter intimidation

Thuggery

Disruption of the electoral process

CP Adepoju Calls for Peace

Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, urged political parties, candidates, supporters, youth groups, community leaders, and residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the election period.

He emphasized that the success of the by-election depends on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to uphold peace, democracy, and the rule of law.

The Police Command reassured the public that security agencies are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful electoral exercise and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities through the designated emergency lines.