RismadarVoice Reporters, August 12, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations during Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
The directive also applies to the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch organisations.
The police said the groups were not authorised to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or carry arms during the election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the police urged the affected groups to comply with the directive in the interest of a peaceful election.
The Force warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other residents against violence, intimidation and thuggery.
It said electoral offences, including ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters, would not be tolerated.
According to the police, anyone involved in such offences, either directly or as a sponsor, would be arrested and prosecuted regardless of political affiliation or status.
The police listed the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) among the agencies authorised to participate in election security.
The Force said the joint deployment would cover all 30 local government areas of Osun State, including polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, observers, journalists and voters.
It also warned political parties, candidates and members of the public against engaging, arming or deploying unauthorised security outfits for election-related activities.
“Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” the statement said.
The police further reiterated that firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials were prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except where lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
It said individuals found engaging in thuggery, obstructing electoral officials, unlawfully possessing election materials, making hate speeches or inciting violence would be arrested and prosecuted.
Mr Disu directed commanders and personnel deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while observing the rule of law and respecting human rights.
The Force also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists and accredited observers to report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency or designated emergency channels.
The police assured residents, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of adequate security to enable eligible voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
The Force said it would remain neutral and would not allow any individual or group to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
