The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, warning political parties, candidates and their supporters against engaging, arming or deploying them for election-related activities.
The police said the groups had no role in securing the election and warned that anyone who deploys them would be arrested and prosecuted.
The directive 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 election is scheduled to hold across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
The Force specifically listed Amotekun, vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other non-state or quasi-security formations among those prohibited from participating in election security operations.
“The Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and all other non-state or quasi-security formations have no role in election security,” the statement read.
The police said the affected groups were not authorised to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or bear arms during the election.
The Force urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive in the interest of peace, warning that members or sponsors of unauthorised security outfits deployed for election-related activities would face legal action.
“Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” the Force warned.
Police issue wider warning ahead of election
The police also issued a broader warning to political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public, stressing that the election must be conducted peacefully.
“The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, warns political parties, candidates, supporters, and the public that the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, 15th August, 2026, must be peaceful,” the statement said.
The Force warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process through violence, intimidation or thuggery would face the full weight of the law.
It specifically identified ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters as electoral offences that would not be tolerated.
“Any person involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status,” it said.
Security deployment to cover all 30 LGAs
According to the Force, the joint security deployment will cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State.
The operation will include the protection of polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists and voters.
The police also reiterated that political parties, candidates and members of the public must not engage, arm or deploy non-state security outfits for election-related purposes.
Firearms, dangerous weapons and offensive materials will also be prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except where such weapons are lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
“All firearms, dangerous weapons, and offensive materials are strictly prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty,” the statement said.
The Force warned that anyone found culpable of electoral offences, including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech or incitement to violence, would be arrested and taken to court.
“Anyone found culpable of electoral offences, including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech, or incitement to violence, will be arrested and charged to court,” it warned.
IGP directs personnel to remain impartial
The IGP directed commanders and personnel deployed for the election to operate professionally, impartially and firmly while adhering to the rule of law and respecting human rights.
The Force also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and accredited observers to report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels.
“The public, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and accredited observers are urged to report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels—if you see something, say something,” the statement read.
The police assured the people of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders that it remained committed to providing a secure environment for the election.
It said eligible voters must be allowed to exercise their franchise freely and 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 Force said.
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