The Nigeria Police Force has warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation and thuggery ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The warning was issued by the Force on Wednesday, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who said anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process would face the full weight of the law.
The police specifically listed ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes among rival supporters as offences that would not be tolerated during the election.
According to the Force, both perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
The police also clarified that only constitutionally recognised security agencies are authorised to provide security for the election.
It therefore warned the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, the Joint Civilian Task Force, community-based security outfits, neighbourhood watch groups and other non-state or quasi-security formations against participating in election security duties.
Such groups, the police said, must not escort election materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or carry arms for election-related activities.
The Force said authorised security agencies for the election include the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps, alongside other statutory agencies.
The joint security operation, according to the police, will cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, with personnel deployed to protect polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, voters, journalists and accredited observers.
The police further warned political parties and candidates against engaging, arming or deploying unauthorised security outfits during the election, saying members and sponsors of such groups would be arrested and prosecuted.
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The Force also reiterated a ban on firearms, dangerous weapons and offensive materials around polling units and collation centres, except where such weapons are lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
It said individuals involved in thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of electoral materials, hate speech or incitement to violence would be arrested and charged to court.
The police directed commanders and personnel deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while respecting the rule of law and fundamental human rights.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists, accredited observers and residents to report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency or designated emergency channels.
The Force assured residents of Osun State and other election stakeholders that it would maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the exercise, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
