RismadarVoice Reporters
August 5, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force has deployed about 15,000 personnel for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, warning politicians, electoral officials and security operatives against any attempt to compromise the electoral process.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with journalists and Divisional Police Officers at the Police Officers’ Mess in Osogbo.
Etaifo said the deployment includes Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and other specialised units to ensure adequate security before, during and after the election.
He warned that anyone arrested for serious electoral offences would be transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for investigation and prosecution, stressing that such a measure would prevent interference with the judicial process.
“This governorship election is a federal election. Anyone arrested for electoral offences will be taken out of Osun State to the Force Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution. There will be no room for interference,” he said.
The police commissioner also cautioned politicians, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and security personnel against engaging in vote buying, ballot snatching, voter intimidation, violence or any other form of electoral malpractice.
“I want to warn all political actors, security personnel and even INEC officials not to manipulate the election. Anyone found violating the Electoral Act or attempting to undermine the credibility of the process will be held accountable,” he added.
According to Etaifo, the Inspector-General of Police assigned him to coordinate election security operations across the state and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
He revealed that he had already met with Governor Ademola Adeleke to brief him on the security arrangements and reassure the state government of the police’s commitment to conducting a peaceful election.
Etaifo said the early deployment of security personnel was intended to boost public confidence, improve voter turnout and eliminate fear and intimidation during the poll.
“We cannot have a hostile atmosphere and expect to conduct a free and fair election. The early arrival of police personnel is to boost the confidence of the people of Osun State and discourage voter apathy,” he said.
He assured residents that the police would remain neutral and professional throughout the election, promising equal protection for all political parties and candidates.
The police chief also warned officers deployed for election duties against compromising their responsibilities or colluding with politicians, noting that any personnel found wanting would face disciplinary action.
He urged residents to remain peaceful, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities, assuring that comprehensive security measures had been put in place to guarantee a free, fair and credible governorship election.
