Osun 2026: Police Warn Against Violence, Thuggery, Unauthorised Security Outfits
Ahead of the governorship election in Osun State on August 15, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned political parties, candidates, supporters, and the public against violence, thuggery, and the deployment of unauthorised security outfits.
The Force cautioned that anyone attempting to disrupt the process would face the full weight of the law.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, on Wednesday, the NPF noted the recurrence of election offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, and clashes between rival supporters.
It stressed that none of these acts would be tolerated, stating that any person involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The Force affirmed that securing the election is the sole responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies.
“The Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and all other non-state or quasi-security formations have no role in election security, including escorting materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms,” the Force said, urging full compliance in the interest of peace.
It also clarified that authorised agencies for election security are the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other statutory bodies working together.
The police explained that the joint security deployment covers all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, securing polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists, and voters.
“Political parties, candidates, and the public are warned against engaging, arming, or deploying any non-state security outfit for election-related purposes. Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” the Force stated.
The NPF reiterated 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.
It emphasised that anyone found culpable of electoral offences, including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech, or incitement to violence, would be arrested and charged to court.
The Force 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.
It also urged the public, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and accredited observers to report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels.
The NPF assured 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 added that it remains neutral, professional, and resolute, and will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election.
