The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assigned a Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ishyaku Mohammed, to oversee police security operations ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The deployment is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s preparations to ensure the August 15, 2026 poll is conducted peacefully and securely.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said Mohammed would head the police component of the election security plan and liaise with other agencies operating under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
The DIG will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police positioned across Osun’s three senatorial districts.
“He will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police strategically deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts to supervise operations, strengthen intelligence-led policing, and ensure prompt response to emerging threats, “the statement read.
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The police said security arrangements had also been put in place to safeguard voters, Independent National Electoral Commission officials, election materials, polling locations, collation centres, accredited observers and journalists before, during and after the election.
Disu warned political parties, their supporters and others against actions capable of undermining the electoral process, stressing that offenders would face the law.
The IG was quoted as saying, “Ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery, and every other electoral offence will attract prompt arrest and prosecution.”
The Force also reminded political actors that armed escorts, security aides and other unauthorised persons would not be allowed to accompany politicians or VIPs to polling units or collation centres on election day.
According to Iniedu, state-backed security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security companies are equally barred from taking part in election security operations.
He said the restrictions were consistent with existing Nigeria Police Force guidelines governing election security.
The police spokesman urged residents, voters and visitors in Osun to remain peaceful and assured them that adequate security measures had been put in place throughout the electoral period.
He further encouraged eligible voters to participate without fear, while reaffirming the police commitment to “professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights, and the protection of the electoral process.”