Osun guber: Police warn against violence, ban Amotekun, other security outfits

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters against engaging in electoral violence ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, saying anyone who disrupts the process will face the full weight of the law.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, made this known via a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12.

Iniedu said common electoral offences, including ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival political supporters, would not be tolerated.

Iniedu warned that both perpetrators and sponsors of such acts would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliation or status.

He added that only constitutionally recognised security agencies are authorised to provide security during the election, warning that non-state security groups, including the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, neighbourhood watch outfits, and other community-based security organisations, have no role in election security.

The police spokesperson listed authorised agencies involved in election security to includ the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other statutory agencies.

Iniedu said personnel from the agencies would be deployed across all 30 local government areas of Osun State to secure polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, accredited observers, journalists and voters.

Iniedu further warned political parties and candidates against recruiting or sponsoring unauthorised security outfits for election-related activities, stating that anyone found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted.

IG deploys DIG to coordinate security for Osun governorship election

He added: “The NPF reiterates that all firearms, dangerous weapons, and offensive materials are strictly prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.

“Anyone found culpable of electoral offences, including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech, or incitement to violence, will be arrested and charged to court.

“The Force has directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to act professionally, impartially, and firmly, in line with the rule of law and respect for human rights. The public, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and accredited observers are urged to report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels—if you see something, say something.

“The Nigeria Police Force assures the people of Osun State, INEC, political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders of its commitment to a secure and peaceful environment where every eligible voter can freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

“The Police remain neutral, professional, and resolute, and will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election.”