No fewer than 7,825 officers of the Nigeria Police Force will be on duty for the national legislative by-elections scheduled to hold in Edo State on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, Moses Yamu, announced the development in a statement issued on Friday in Benin City.
According to Yamu, the personnel will be stationed in all areas where voting will take place.
They will be drawn from Zone 5 Headquarters, the Edo State Command, the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, as well as the Election Monitoring Team from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He explained that the large-scale deployment is designed to ensure security before, during, and after the polls, safeguarding voters, election officials, and materials while maintaining public order.
The statement also revealed that the Command has ordered a restriction of movement in all affected areas from 12:00 midnight on Friday, August 15, 2025, until 6:00 p.m. on election day. Yamu said this is to “prevent any form of interference, disruption or breach of peace during the electoral process.”
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, appeals to members of the public to comply with this directive. Only those on essential duties with valid identification will be allowed passage.
“The Command warns that any individual or group found violating the restriction order, or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the election, or undermining the peace, will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The Edo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values during this exercise,” he said.
The Command urged eligible voters to turn out and perform their civic duties without fear, assuring them that adequate measures have been put in place for their safety.
The Independent National Electoral Commission will conduct the elections in seven local government areas of the state.
The Edo Central Senatorial by-election will fill the seat vacated by Governor Monday Okpebholo, while the Ovia Federal Constituency election will replace Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa.
Edo Central comprises five local governments, while Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West make up the Ovia Federal Constituency.