The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered comprehensive security measures and deployed extensive logistical support to ensure free, fair, and hitch-free bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, across 13 states of the federation.The states affected are Anambra, Kano, Oyo, Taraba, Enugu, Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Ogun, Zamfara, and Niger.According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP has directed the deployment of senior officers, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, to provide oversight in the affected states. Tactical units such as the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department will also be on the ground to safeguard the electoral process.In addition, the IGP has imposed restrictions on all vehicular movement — including roads, waterways, and other means of transport — within the affected local government areas from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day. Exemptions will be granted to essential service providers such as INEC officials, accredited media and observers, medical emergency responders, and firefighters.The police chief also reaffirmed the ban on security aides and escorts from accompanying VIPs and politicians to polling units and collation centres. State-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, and private guards have been barred from participating in election security operations.Egbetokun urged officers deployed for the exercise to strictly adhere to the Nigeria Police Force’s election operational protocols, while appealing to citizens to remain law-abiding before, during, and after the polls.He assured that adequate security arrangements have been made to protect voters and ensure their right to vote without intimidation or obstruction.