The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has directed that the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, and other state-established security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations must not take part in security operations for the Osun State governorship election.
The directive comes ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, as the Nigeria Police Force intensifies preparations to maintain law and order across the state.
Disu also reiterated that armed escorts, security aides and other unauthorised personnel accompanying politicians, political figures or VIPs will not be permitted at polling units or collation centres.
The Inspector-General warned politicians, their supporters and individuals planning to disrupt the election against engaging in ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery or other electoral offences.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, anyone found violating the directives would face arrest and prosecution.
The police said the exclusion of state-established security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations from election-security duties was in line with existing Nigeria Police Force directives governing election security.
As part of the security arrangements, Disu has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed, to Osun State to coordinate police operations for the governorship poll.
DIG Mohammed will oversee the police component of the election-security operation and collaborate with other security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
The police hierarchy has also deployed Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police across Osun State’s three senatorial districts. They will supervise security operations, strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure rapid intervention where threats or incidents emerge.
The Nigeria Police Force said comprehensive security measures had been put in place to safeguard voters, INEC officials, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and journalists before, during and after the election.
The Force urged residents, eligible voters and visitors to remain law-abiding and participate peacefully in the electoral process.
The police further assured the people of Osun State that its personnel would operate professionally and impartially, while respecting human rights and protecting the integrity of the August 15 governorship election.
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