Police bar Amotekun, vigilantes from Osun governorship poll

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.

 

The police warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against engaging, arming or deploying such groups for election-related activities, stressing that election security is the responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies.

 

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, Olatunji Disu.

 

The election is scheduled to hold across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

 

The Force said 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 were not authorised to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or bear arms during the election.

 

“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 warned that members or sponsors of unauthorised security outfits deployed for election-related activities would be arrested and prosecuted.

 

It also warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation and thuggery during the election.

 

“Any person involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status,” the Force said.

 

The police specifically listed ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote-buying and clashes between rival supporters among the electoral offences that would not be tolerated.

 

It said election security operations would be handled by the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and other statutory agencies.

 

According to the Force, the joint security deployment would cover all 30 LGAs of the state, including polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists and voters.

 

The police further warned that firearms, dangerous weapons and offensive materials would not be allowed around polling units and collation centres, except those 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,” it said.

 

The Force said anyone found guilty of electoral offences, including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech or incitement to violence, would be arrested and charged to court.

 

The IGP directed commanders and personnel deployed for the election to act professionally and impartially, while adhering to the rule of law and respecting human rights.

 

The police also urged 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 Force assured the people of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment 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.