The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against electoral violence, intimidation and thuggery ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The police said recurring electoral offences, including ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters, would not be tolerated during the election.
According to the Force, anyone found involved in electoral offences, either as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, would be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of political affiliation or status.
The police also clarified that election security remains the responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies, warning non-state and quasi-security groups against participating in election-related security operations.
It specifically listed the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other similar formations as having no role in securing the election.
The NPF said such groups must not escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or bear arms for election-related purposes.
It noted that authorised agencies involved in the election security arrangements include the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps, alongside other statutory bodies.
The joint security deployment, according to the police, will cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, with personnel assigned to protect polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, observers, journalists and voters.
The Force further warned political parties, candidates and members of the public against engaging or arming unauthorised security outfits for election purposes.
It also reiterated the prohibition of firearms, dangerous weapons and offensive materials around polling units and collation centres, except where such weapons are lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
The police said persons found guilty of thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of electoral materials, hate speech or incitement to violence would be arrested and charged to court.
The IGP has consequently directed commanders and personnel deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while respecting the rule of law and human rights.
The Force urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists, accredited observers and members of the public to report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels.
The police assured residents of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing a secure environment for voters to 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,” the statement said.
