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Police issue strong warning that ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote-buying and election violence will attract immediate arrest and prosecution, regardless of political status.
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NPF bars Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters, CJTF and all other non-state security outfits from participating in election security operations across Osun.
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Joint security teams deployed across all 30 local government areas to secure polling units, collation centres, INEC officials, journalists, observers and voters.
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IGP Olatunji Disu orders officers to remain neutral and professional, assuring Osun residents of adequate security for a peaceful, free and credible governorship election.
August 12, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning to political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, declaring that it will not tolerate electoral violence, ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote-buying or any other act capable of undermining the integrity of the poll.
The Force also announced sweeping security arrangements for the August 15 governorship election, warning that anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process through violence, thuggery or intimidation would face the full weight of the law.
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.
According to the Police, intelligence reports and previous election experiences have shown that offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote-buying and clashes between rival political supporters remain recurring threats to credible elections.
The Force warned that perpetrators and their sponsors would be identified, arrested and prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliation or social status.
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Non-State Security Groups Barred From Election Duties
In what appears to be one of the strongest directives ahead of the election, the Police categorically barred all non-state and quasi-security organisations from participating in election security operations.
The Force specifically listed the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, neighbourhood watch organisations and other community-based security outfits as groups prohibited from providing election security.
According to the statement, none of the affected groups is authorised to escort electoral materials, secure polling units, mount checkpoints, carry arms or perform any election-related security assignment.
“The Nigeria Police Force affirms that securing elections remains the exclusive responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies. Political parties and candidates are therefore warned against engaging or deploying any unauthorised security outfit for election purposes”, the statement read.
The Police warned that any sponsor or member of such groups found participating in election security would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Force disclosed that a coordinated joint security operation has been activated across all 30 local government areas of Osun State.
It said personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other statutory agencies would jointly secure the election.
According to the Police, the deployment will cover polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, INEC officials, accredited observers, journalists and voters throughout the election period.
The Force added that the objective is to ensure that every eligible voter exercises his or her constitutional right without fear, intimidation or harassment.
The Police further reminded the public that firearms, dangerous weapons and offensive objects remain prohibited around polling units and collation centres except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on official election duty.
It warned that anyone found engaging in electoral offences—including thuggery, unlawful possession of election materials, obstruction of electoral officials, hate speech or incitement to violence—would be arrested and prosecuted.
The Force also directed all officers deployed for election duties to conduct themselves professionally, remain politically neutral and uphold the rule of law while respecting citizens’ fundamental rights.
Residents Asked To Report Suspicious Activities
The Police appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, election observers, journalists and members of the public to support security efforts by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities.
“If you see something, say something”, the statement stressed, urging residents to utilise available emergency communication channels to alert security agencies.
The Force reiterated its commitment to neutrality, professionalism and constitutional responsibility, assuring political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), candidates and the electorate that it would not allow any individual or group to undermine the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s governorship election.
The latest advisory comes amid heightened political tension and increasing security concerns ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with security agencies intensifying deployments while political actors continue campaigns across the state. The election is expected to be keenly contested, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking re-election against major challengers, including the APC’s Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and the ADC’s Najeem Salam.
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