Ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, Inspector-General of Police 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 taking part in election-security duties.
The IGP also reiterated that political figures and VIPs are not allowed to go to polling units or collation centres with armed escorts, security aides or other unauthorised persons on election day.
Disu warned politicians, their supporters and anyone planning to disrupt the election that acts such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery and other electoral offences would lead to arrest and prosecution.
The police said the restriction on state-established security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations is in line with existing Nigeria Police Force directives on election security.
To strengthen security arrangements for the election, the IGP has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ishyaku Mohammed to Osun State to coordinate police operations.
DIG Mohammed will oversee the police aspect of the election-security plan and work with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
He will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts. Their responsibilities include strengthening intelligence gathering, supervising operations and ensuring quick responses to any security threats.
The police said adequate arrangements have also been made to protect voters, INEC officials, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and media practitioners before, during and after the election.
The Force urged residents and eligible voters in Osun State to participate peacefully and assured them of adequate security throughout the electoral process.
The police further reaffirmed their commitment to neutrality, professionalism, respect for human rights and the protection of the integrity of the election.
