Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has announced an extensive security deployment across Abuja and surrounding districts as preparations intensify for the February 21, 2026 Area Council Elections. Authorities say the operation is designed to safeguard voters, election officials and critical infrastructure, while ensuring the electoral process proceeds without disruption.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Command confirmed that personnel have been strategically positioned across polling units, collation centres and other sensitive locations within the FCT. The deployment forms part of a comprehensive operational order developed to address potential security risks associated with the elections.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, charged officers assigned to election duties to uphold professionalism and impartiality throughout the exercise. He emphasized that officers must maintain vigilance, treat all residents courteously and respect the constitutional rights of citizens as they carry out their responsibilities.
According to the Command, the security plan involves close coordination with sister agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The inter-agency collaboration, officials say, reflects a coordinated approach to election security, leveraging personnel and operational resources from multiple security institutions.
Security planners have historically regarded elections in the Federal Capital Territory as sensitive operations due to Abuja’s political significance as Nigeria’s seat of government. While previous Area Council elections have largely been peaceful, authorities note that the capital’s high-profile status necessitates a proactive posture to prevent isolated incidents from escalating.
A key component of the operational order is a temporary restriction of movement across the FCT between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on election day. The Command clarified that the restriction will apply to vehicular movement, with exemptions granted to essential service providers, accredited election officials and emergency responders. Residents have been advised to comply with the directive and cooperate with security personnel conducting checks during the period.
Police officials argue that movement restrictions on election day are intended to reduce opportunities for vote-buying, ballot snatching and other electoral malpractices. By limiting vehicular traffic, authorities believe they can enhance monitoring capacity and ensure faster response to incidents reported at polling locations.
CP Dantawaye reiterated that officers are under strict instructions to remain neutral and avoid any conduct that could be interpreted as partisan. He warned that disciplinary measures would be taken against any personnel found compromising professional standards. The Command underscored that the credibility of the electoral process depends significantly on the integrity of security agencies assigned to protect it.
Residents of the FCT have been encouraged to participate peacefully in the polls and to report suspicious activities to designated emergency lines provided by the Police Command. Officials stated that intelligence units have been activated to track potential threats, while rapid response teams remain on standby to intervene where necessary.
The February 21 elections will determine leadership across the six Area Councils of the FCT, which function as local government administrations responsible for grassroots governance, including primary healthcare, sanitation services and community infrastructure. Political observers note that although Area Council elections typically attract less national attention than federal contests, they play a crucial role in shaping local policy and service delivery.
Civil society organizations have welcomed early security preparations but stressed the importance of maintaining public trust. Analysts argue that visible security presence can serve as a deterrent to violence, yet excessive or poorly managed enforcement could discourage voter turnout. Balancing firmness with restraint, they say, is essential to sustaining confidence in the process.
Election monitoring groups have also highlighted the need for seamless coordination between security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission to avoid logistical bottlenecks. Delays at polling units, they caution, can create tension and increase the risk of disorder if not addressed promptly.
In recent election cycles across Nigeria, isolated incidents of ballot box snatching and voter intimidation have prompted calls for more structured security frameworks. The FCT Command’s preemptive announcement is viewed by some observers as part of a broader institutional effort to demonstrate readiness and transparency in election policing.
As Abuja residents prepare to cast their ballots, attention will focus on how effectively security arrangements translate into orderly conduct at polling centres. Authorities insist that all necessary measures have been put in place to guarantee a peaceful environment conducive to free and fair participation.
The Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding democratic processes within the nation’s capital, urging citizens to exercise their civic responsibilities responsibly. With coordinated deployment, movement controls and inter-agency collaboration now in effect, security agencies are positioning themselves to manage one of the FCT’s most significant local political events of the year.
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