FCT POLL: SECURITY OPERATIVES DEPLOYED AS MOVEMENT IS RESTRICTED

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed officers across the territory ahead of the Area Council elections.

The command also announced a restriction of movement across the FCT on election day, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with exemptions granted to essential service providers and election officials.

The Area Council elections are scheduled to hold on February 21, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has cleared candidates from 17 political parties to contest the local government elections in the FCT.

The polls will cover 68 elective positions, comprising six area council chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions across the territory’s six area councils. INEC also disclosed that about 1.68 million registered voters are eligible to participate in the elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the deployment is being carried out under a comprehensive operational order and involves collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

She said the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Miller Dantawaye, directed all deployed officers to maintain professionalism and ensure adequate security at polling units and collation centres to guarantee a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process.

Adeh added that the commissioner warned officers to remain vigilant, impartial, and courteous while respecting the rights of all citizens in the discharge of their duties.

Announcing the movement restriction, Adeh urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and comply with security guidelines throughout the period.

She assured voters that adequate measures have been put in place to enable them to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and without fear.