Goodness Anenih
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rolled out an extensive security architecture ahead of the February 21, 2026 Area Council Elections, deploying thousands of personnel across the nation’s capital in a show of force designed to guarantee order at the polls.
The massive deployment, authorities disclosed, forms part of a carefully coordinated operational strategy aimed at ensuring that the exercise is peaceful, credible and devoid of disruptions across all six area councils of the territory.
At the centre of the operation is the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, who affirmed the Command’s readiness to secure every polling unit and collation centre. He stressed that no effort would be spared in safeguarding voters and electoral materials.
Dantawaye revealed that the operation is being executed in synergy with sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, underscoring a unified front to deter threats.
He directed officers detailed for election duty to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality and alertness, warning that misconduct or compromise would attract strict sanctions.
In a further move to tighten security, the Command announced a restriction of movement across the Federal Capital Territory from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day. The restriction, however, exempts essential service providers and duly accredited electoral officials.
Residents were urged to cooperate fully with security operatives and comply strictly with the guidelines issued for the day, as authorities seek to prevent avoidable incidents.
The police maintained that adequate logistics and intelligence-driven deployments have been activated to forestall electoral malpractice, violence or attempts to undermine the democratic process.
Stakeholders believe the early and visible security mobilisation is intended not only as a deterrent but also as a confidence-building measure to reassure voters of their safety.
As the FCT prepares to cast its ballots, the message from law enforcement is clear: vigilance will be high, neutrality uncompromised, and every lawful vote protected.