By Emmanuel Thomas l Wednesday, August 12,2026
ABUJA — Ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning against any form of electoral violence, vote buying, or disruption of the democratic process, declaring a zero-tolerance policy for election-related criminality.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, directed the full deployment of security personnel across all 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Osun State to ensure a peaceful environment for voters, electoral officials, and international observers.
Exclusion of Non-State Security Outfits
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Police High Command explicitly clarified that non-state and quasi-security outfits have been barred from participating in any election security activities.
According to the NPF, organizations strictly prohibited from election duties include:
The Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun)
Local Vigilante Groups
Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF)
Hunters’ Associations
Community-Based Security Groups and Neighbourhood Watch Outfits
The police emphasized that non-state security actors are barred from escorting electoral materials, guarding polling units, mounting roadblocks, or bearing arms throughout the election period. Political parties, candidates, and individuals were explicitly warned against hiring or arming unauthorized security bodies, as offenders and their sponsors will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
Authorized Security Agencies for Osun Polls
The Police Authority reaffirmed that electoral security remains the exclusive constitutional responsibility of statutory, recognized security agencies.
The joint operational architecture deployed across Osun State comprises:
Nigeria Police Force (NPF) — Lead agency for internal and electoral security
Department of State Services (DSS) — Intelligence gathering and counter-threat operations
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) — Protection of critical infrastructure and polling stations
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) — Border monitoring and prevention of foreign interference
Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) — Perimeter security and custodial protection
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) — Traffic control and logistics routing.
This multi-agency deployment covers polling units, ward collation centers, local government collation points, state electoral headquarters, and transit routes for election personnel.
The NPF reiterated that all firearms, dangerous weapons, and offensive items are strictly prohibited in and around polling stations and collation centers. Only accredited security personnel explicitly assigned to election duties are permitted to carry arms.
The Force stressed that criminal conduct—including ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, financial inducement (vote buying), thuggery, obstruction of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, hate speech, and incitement—will trigger swift security intervention regardless of the status or political affiliation of perpetrators or sponsors.
Directives on Professionalism and Public Vigilance
IGP Disu instructed all field commanders and tactical units deployed to Osun State to adhere strictly to human rights standards, professional neutrality, and firm enforcement of the rule of law.
The Police High Command called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, community stakeholders, and the media to support peace efforts and report suspicious activities through established emergency helplines.
