Avoid sensitive areas, police warn election observers

The Lagos State Police Command has warned election observers to steer clear of sensitive areas during the governorship and State House of Assembly elections on Saturday. Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operations, Oludotun Odubona, issued the security alert during a courtesy and working visit by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Election Observation Mission for the South‑west zone. The mission’s visit was intended to introduce the observers to the command and to receive security guidance.

Odubona noted that the March 18 elections will be fiercely contested, but security agencies are on the ground to ensure a violence‑free process. He emphasized that the stakes are very high in the gubernatorial and State Assembly races and that the police have identified sensitive areas and potential conflict zones. “Necessary steps are being taken,” he said, adding that police escorts will be provided to the team of observers.