LASIEC HQ on Lockdown as LG Polls Kick Off

Security was visibly heightened around the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) headquarters in Yaba on Saturday as local government elections got underway across the state.

A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria covering political affairs observed a significant deployment of security forces at the commission’s premises, with numerous police officers stationed strategically around the area.

Personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, along with operatives of the Department of State Services, were also on site, operating from their designated patrol vans.

Access to the street leading to the LASIEC office was tightly controlled, with roadblocks placed at both ends to limit vehicular movement and maintain order throughout the election process.

In Badagry, security efforts mirrored those in other parts of Lagos, as officers from the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps were actively deployed to ensure a peaceful election atmosphere.

Over in the Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, residents showed strong adherence to the movement restrictions. The voting process proceeded smoothly, with voters conducting themselves calmly and orderly.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the typically busy streets of Mosan-Okunola — situated within the Alimosho axis — were noticeably quiet by 9 a.m. Only security forces, election officials, and accredited observers were seen moving about.

Key roads like Abesan Gate Road, Akowonjo Road, and the Ipaja-Ayobo corridor were largely empty, while local businesses, markets, and transportation hubs remained shut in observance of the election day protocols.

Commercial motorcyclists and tricycle riders remained off the roads on Saturday, adhering to the movement restriction order issued by the Lagos State Government in connection with the local council elections.

Security operatives — including personnel from the Nigeria Police, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps — were positioned at key points to enforce the directive and maintain public order throughout the exercise.

Several residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria praised the general compliance, saying it contributed to a more organized electoral process.

One voter, Mrs. Bosede Akinwale, expressed satisfaction, stating, “It’s encouraging to see people respecting the restriction. It means we’re beginning to appreciate the need for well-coordinated and peaceful elections.”

The Lagos State Police Command had earlier announced a state-wide restriction of movement from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to allow for the smooth conduct of the local government polls.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is overseeing elections in all 20 constitutionally recognized local government areas as well as 37 local council development areas.

Voting is currently taking place across the state’s 57 councils and 376 electoral wards.

(NAN)