The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Sanusi Abubakar, in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, said the restrictions were ordered by the newly posted Commissioner of Police in charge of governorship and State House of Assembly elections in the state, CP Shettima Zanna, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba.
It added that the restriction would affect all vehicular movements on roads from 12am on Friday to 6pm on the election day in the state “with the exceptions of those on essential services such as electoral observers, accredited media, ambulances, and firefighters, etc.”
The statement added, “In the same vein, all security aides attached to VIPs and escorts are banned from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling units and collation centres during the elections.
“State-established and private security units, Quasi security outfits are also banned from participating in election security management.”
The PPRO advised residents in the state to adhere strictly with the restriction order, noting that “any person or group of persons that attempt to test our will by engaging in political violence or violating this order will be dealt with decisively.”
He also advised parents are advised to discourage their children and wards accordingly.
“The CP is assuring the residents of Sokoto State that the Nigeria Police Force will coordinate effectively with other security agencies in the state and collaborate with the leadership of the Independent national Electoral Commission in guaranteeing a safe and secure space for the citizens to freely exercise their electoral franchise.”
“The public can contact the command control room number via 07068848035 for any emergency or distress,” he added.
