IGP Olatunji Disu
Nigeria Police Force (NPF), under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned political parties, candidates, supporters, and the public that the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, 15th August, 2026, must be peaceful.
The Force warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt the process through violence, intimidation, or thuggery will face the full weight of the law.
The Force spokesman, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja.
CSP Iniedu noted that the recurring election offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, and clashes between rival supporters, and stresses that none of these will be tolerated.
He said 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 spokesman affirmed that securing the election is the sole responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies.
According to him, 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, including escorting materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms. The NPF urges full compliance in the interest of peace.
The Nigeria Police Force clarified that authorised agencies for election security are the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other statutory bodies working together. This joint security deployment covers all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, securing polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists, and voters.
Political parties, candidates, and the public are warned against engaging, arming, or deploying any non-state security outfit for election-related purposes. Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law.
The NPF reiterated that 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.
“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 said.
The Force has directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to act professionally, impartially, and firmly, in line with the rule of law and respect for human rights. 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 Nigeria Police Force assured the people of Osun State, INEC, political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders of its commitment to a secure and peaceful environment where every eligible voter can freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
The Police said it remain neutral, professional, and resolute, and will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election.
