Ahead of the 15 August 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, the Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network (codenamed Amotekun), vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and other quasi-security organisations from participating in security operations during the poll.
The directive was contained in a release issued by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, through the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tunji Ojedele. It noted that only constitutionally recognised security agencies will be responsible for providing security before, during and after the election.
He stated that all personnel deployed for election duties must be properly identified and dressed in their approved official uniforms.
The statement stressed that Amotekun, vigilante groups, political organisations, neighbourhood watch groups, and other unauthorised bodies are not eligible to perform election security functions, provide crowd control, or interfere with the electoral process.
It warned that any individual or group found engaging in unauthorised security activities or attempting to intimidate voters, electoral officials, or other stakeholders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other constitutionally recognised security agencies, will be solely responsible for the provision of security before, during and after the election,” the statement read.
The AIG urged political parties, candidates, supporters, and members of the public to conduct themselves peacefully and to cooperate with security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) throughout the electoral process.
He also encouraged residents to report suspicious movements, acts of violence, voter intimidation, and other breaches of the peace to the nearest police station or any authorised security agency.
The police further assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place across the state to guarantee the safety of lives and property and to create a conducive atmosphere for eligible voters to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
The AIG warned that anyone found violating the Electoral Act or other extant laws during the election would be arrested and prosecuted.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Zone 11 Command to ensuring a peaceful, credible, and violence-free governorship election in Osun State.
