Police Deny Poor Welfare for Officers Deployed to Osun Election

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports alleging that hundreds of police personnel deployed to Osun State for the August 15, 2026 governorship election have remained in the state for weeks without adequate food and basic welfare provisions.

 

The Force said the continued deployment of the personnel was part of established post-election security procedures and did not indicate neglect.

 

The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, stated this in a statement issued on Friday.

 

The clarification followed media reports alleging that hundreds of officers drawn from about 50 Police Mobile Force squadrons remained in Osun weeks after the election.

 

The reports, citing internal sources, claimed that some officers were camped under difficult conditions, with inadequate food and basic provisions, including in the Gbongan area.

 

The Force, however, said the continued presence of the personnel was aimed at sustaining security, preventing post-election violence, addressing emerging threats and ensuring a smooth transition to normal policing.

 

“The Nigeria Police Force has noted a recent publication alleging that hundreds of police personnel deployed to Osun State for the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election have remained there for weeks under harsh conditions, lacking adequate food and basic welfare provisions.

 

“The Force clarifies that the continued presence of personnel in Osun State follows established post-election deployment procedures. This proactive measure sustains security, prevents post-election violence, addresses emerging threats, and ensures a smooth transition to normal policing. The duration of deployment is determined by operational and security needs,” the statement read.

 

The NPF rejected claims that the officers had been abandoned or denied adequate welfare.

 

“The Force rejects claims that personnel have been abandoned or subjected to inadequate welfare. All officers deployed for the election have received their approved entitlements, and command structures remain responsible for their welfare throughout the assignment,” it said.

 

The police also criticised reports portraying the post-election deployment as institutional neglect, describing such reports as misleading.

 

“Portraying a planned post-election security deployment as institutional neglect is misleading. Such reporting misrepresents operational realities and may undermine personnel morale and public confidence in the Force,” the statement said.

 

The Force reaffirmed its commitment to personnel welfare and said officers would continue to be strategically deployed where necessary to protect lives and property and maintain public peace.

 

It also urged media organisations to verify claims, particularly those attributed to unnamed sources, before publishing reports that could mislead the public or undermine security operations.