Nigeria: Increased security in Lagos state for July 22 elections

Event

Lagos state officials announced that there will be vehicle traffic restrictions during local elections on Saturday, July 22. Between 08:00 and 14:00 (local time) on election day residents will not be allowed to travel by vehicle throughout the state. According to the authorities, this will allow the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and security forces to distribute election material in a timely manner and ensure that the voting is free and fair. Police officials also announced that an additional 30,000 police officers will be deployed during the elections. Election-related violence surrounding the July 22 vote is possible.

Context

The campaign period, which began on April 15, is set to end on July 20. On July 22, general elections will be held in 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos state. Local government officials serve four-year terms.

Advice

Individuals in Lagos state are advised to obey all instructions issued by the authorities, expect increased security measures, and anticipate traffic disruptions. Avoid any potential demonstrations or political events due to the risk of violence, which can erupt with little or no notice.

Generally speaking, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.