The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced sweeping security and traffic restrictions in Uyo ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the state, warning residents against operating drones, setting off fireworks or accessing designated routes during the presidential engagement.
The measures, according to the police, are designed to tighten security, prevent potential threats and ensure the smooth movement of the President’s convoy during his visit scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed the security arrangements during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, assuring residents that the Command had put comprehensive measures in place in collaboration with other security agencies.
Under the new directives, the police have imposed a total restriction on drone operations and flights within Uyo metropolis throughout the period of the presidential visit.
Drone operators, members of the public and service providers have been warned to comply strictly with the directive, which the police said was necessary to protect restricted airspace, secure critical facilities and prevent possible security breaches.
The Command has also prohibited the use of fireworks, knockouts and other explosive sound-producing devices within the state capital during the visit.
The police explained that the ban would help prevent unnecessary panic and distractions, allowing security operatives to respond swiftly to genuine security concerns.
Six Major Routes, Locations Face Restrictions
In a move expected to affect traffic across parts of Uyo, the Command announced temporary access restrictions on six major routes and strategic locations.
The affected areas are:
Airport Road.
Shelter Afrique Junction.
Oron Road.
Nung Oku Junction.
Mbierebe Junction.
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Motorists and other road users have been advised to avoid the affected corridors during the restriction period and make use of alternative routes.
The police also urged residents to plan their journeys ahead, exercise patience and cooperate with security personnel and traffic officers deployed to manage movement.
CP Azare acknowledged that the restrictions could disrupt normal activities but maintained that they were necessary precautions in the interest of public safety and the successful conduct of the presidential visit.
He assured residents that security agencies were working together through intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and strategic deployment to protect lives and property across the state.
The Command further appealed to residents and visitors to remain law-abiding, stay away from restricted locations and promptly report suspicious movements or security concerns to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
While apologising for any inconvenience the measures might cause, the police stressed that public cooperation would be critical to ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free visit.
The Command also wished President Tinubu a successful and peaceful visit to Akwa Ibom State.
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