Osun election: Police ban Amotekun, restrict movement

The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Amotekun Corps and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The police also announced a restriction on movement across the state from midnight on Friday, August 14, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15.

The measures are part of the security arrangements put in place to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

In a statement on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said only security agencies established and recognised by the Constitution and laws of Nigeria would be permitted to perform security and law-enforcement duties during the election.

He warned vigilante groups, non-state security organisations and other unauthorised bodies against taking part in election-related security operations.

“Only security agencies recognised and established under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are authorised to perform security and law-enforcement duties alongside the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the election,” he said.

Iniedu said the participation of unauthorised security groups could create opportunities for voter intimidation, disruption of the electoral process and threats to public safety.

He urged residents to comply with the movement restriction and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state.

According to him, only individuals and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities would be permitted to move during the restriction.

The police also called on political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to maintain peace and avoid actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting the electoral process.

Residents were further advised to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to constitutionally recognised security agencies.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.