The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, as well as other quasi-security groups and private security organisations from participating in security operations during the Osun State governorship election.
The directive comes ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, as security agencies intensify preparations to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise across the state.
Disu also reaffirmed the prohibition of armed escorts, personal security aides and other unauthorised persons accompanying politicians, government officials or VIPs to polling units and collation centres on election day.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police chief warned politicians, their supporters and other individuals against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.
He specifically cautioned against ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery and other forms of electoral malpractice, stressing that anyone found violating the law would face arrest and prosecution.
State-established security outfits, quasi-security groups, and private security organisations are equally barred from election-security duties, consistent with established NPF election-security directives,” the statement said.
As part of the security arrangements for the election, the IGP has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed, to Osun State to take charge of the police coordination for the exercise.
Mohammed is expected to work with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to coordinate operations before, during and after the election.
The DIG will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts.
According to the police, the senior officers will oversee security operations, strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure a rapid response to potential threats during the election.
The Nigeria Police Force said it had also made arrangements to protect voters, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and members of the media.
The police assured residents and other stakeholders that adequate security measures had been put in place to enable eligible voters to exercise their civic rights without fear.
The Force urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and respect the electoral process.
It further reiterated its commitment to professionalism, neutrality and respect for human rights throughout the election.
The Osun governorship election is expected to hold across the state on Saturday, August 15, with security agencies under pressure to prevent violence, intimidation and other forms of electoral malpractice.
The police therefore advised all stakeholders to cooperate with security personnel and avoid actions capable of undermining the credibility of the election.
