Ahead of the highly anticipated Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, commonly known as Amotekun, along with all other local quasi-security outfits and private security organizations, from participating in election-security operations.
This directive is part of a broader security strategy designed to maintain absolute neutrality and orderliness during the democratic exercise. Alongside the ban on local security outfits, the police chief has strictly reiterated the prohibition of armed escorts, security aides, and unauthorized personnel from accompanying political figures or VIPs to polling stations and collation centers on election day.
Warnings Against Electoral Malpractice
The IGP issued a stern warning to political actors, their supporters, and potential troublemakers. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force will adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward any actions that threaten the integrity of the election.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, electoral offenses such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and political thuggery will lead to immediate arrest and swift 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,” Disu stated.
Deployment of DIG Ishyaku Mohammed to Osun
To ensure a seamless, peaceful, and credible voting process, IGP Disu has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed, to Osun State. DIG Mohammed will take charge of coordinating all police operations and security logistics throughout the election period.
Working under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the DIG will collaborate with other national security agencies to guarantee maximum safety. His efforts will be bolstered by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police strategically deployed across the three senatorial districts of Osun State to supervise local operations and counter emerging threats with intelligence-led policing.
Commitment to a Peaceful Election
The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that robust security arrangements have been established to protect voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff, election materials, observers, and media practitioners.
Residents and visitors in Osun State are urged to go about their civic duties without fear, as the police maintain their commitment to professionalism, human rights, and political neutrality throughout the electoral process.