ABUJA — Security forces fanned out across Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory on Friday ahead of area council elections set for February 21, 2026. The FCT Police Command confirmed the large-scale operation, which pulls in personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services and other agencies.

SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police, issued a statement detailing the arrangements. The deployments stem from a thorough operational order aimed at securing polling units and collation centers, she said. Commissioner of Police Miller G. Dantawaye ordered all officers to uphold professionalism and impartiality throughout the process.

“This massive deployment has enjoyed a rich exchange of operation and human resources from sister security agencies,” the statement read. Those agencies include the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Dantawaye stressed vigilance and courtesy toward voters. He warned personnel to respect citizens’ rights while ensuring free and fair polls.

Movement will halt across the FCT from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on election day. Exemptions apply to essential service providers and election officials only. Police urged residents to steer clear of roads during those hours and cooperate with officers on the ground.

The command called on FCT dwellers to turn out and vote peacefully. Adequate measures stand ready to protect the process, officials said. Law-abiding behavior will help guarantee success, they added.

Residents should stay alert for threats. Suspicious activity demands immediate reporting. Police provided emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

Saturday’s vote covers the six area councils in Abuja: Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. Over 1.4 million registered voters could participate, according to election authorities. Polling stations open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m., though voting continues for anyone in line.

Tensions have simmered in past local elections here, with disputes over results and logistics. Security presence aims to deter violence this time. Independent National Electoral Commission officials oversee the polls, which pick chairmen and councillors for the councils.

Dantawaye, who holds a psc. designation, took charge of FCT Police last year. His directive echoes national orders for joint security during elections. Similar setups protected gubernatorial races in off-cycle states last year without major incidents.

Police reiterated that no one faces accreditation checks beyond official voters’ cards. Campaign materials must vanish from polling areas by Friday night. Violators risk arrest, the statement warned.

FCT residents expressed mixed views on the lockdown. Traders near markets worried about lost business. Others welcomed the extra security. One voter in Garki district said it beats staying home afraid.