•Warn politicians, thugs against violence
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has cautioned against the involvement of non-state or quasi-security formations in election security in the governorship election slated for Saturday, August 15, 2026
It specifically listed the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, Joint Civilian Task Force (JCTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch outfits among formations that have no role in securing the election.
According to the NPF, such groups are prohibited from escorting electoral materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints or bearing arms for election-related activities.
The police also warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election.
The warning was issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who said anyone attempting to disrupt the election through violence, intimidation, thuggery or other electoral offences would face the full weight of the law.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Wednesday, August 12, the Force identified ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes among rival supporters as recurring electoral offences, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated.
It added that both perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence would be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
The Force said that constitutionally-recognised security agencies authorised to provide election security include the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other statutory bodies working jointly for the election.
The joint security deployment, it said, would cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, with personnel assigned to secure polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, observers, journalists and voters.
Political parties, candidates and members of the public were further warned against engaging, arming or deploying unauthorised security outfits for election-related purposes.
The Force said individuals or sponsors involved in such activities would be arrested and prosecuted.
The Police also reiterated that firearms, dangerous weapons and offensive materials are prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except where such weapons are lawfully carried by accredited security personnel performing election duties.
It warned that persons involved in thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of electoral materials, hate speech or incitement to violence would be arrested and charged to court.
The IGP directed commanders and personnel deployed for the election to maintain professionalism, impartiality and firmness while operating within the rule of law and respecting the fundamental rights of citizens.
The Force urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists, accredited observers and members of the public to report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels.
The NPF assured the people of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, candidates and other stakeholders that it would provide a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
The Police reiterated its neutrality and professionalism, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the peaceful conduct of the August 15 governorship election.
