The Nigeria Police Force, led by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Osogbo, Osun State, announced an Osun election security ban preventing Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from taking part in security operations for Saturday’s governorship election.
The directive comes three days before the August 15 poll and places responsibility for election security firmly on constitutionally recognised agencies, as political parties and candidates intensify their final preparations across the state’s 30 local government areas.
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Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, issued the warning on behalf of IGP Disu, saying groups including the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, hunters’ associations, neighborhood watch organisations, community-based security groups and the Joint Civilian Task Force have no authorised role in securing the election.
The police said such groups must not escort electoral materials, guard polling units, establish checkpoints or carry firearms as part of election-related activities. Political parties, candidates and their supporters were also warned against recruiting, arming or deploying members of the groups.
“Any member or sponsor of such unauthorized outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” the Force warned.
The police said security operations would instead be handled by statutory agencies, including 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, among others.
The joint deployment is expected to cover all 30 LGAs, with personnel assigned to protect polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, accredited observers, journalists and voters.
The decision comes against a backdrop of heightened concern over electoral security in Osun.
In June, the Independent National Electoral Commission said its risk assessment had identified 385 potential security flashpoints and about 200 difficult terrains across the state. INEC said the findings had been shared with security agencies to help guide election-day planning.
Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun, Oluwatoyin Babalola, also said security personnel scheduled for the election would take an oath of neutrality, with training planned to reinforce their understanding of their responsibilities during the poll.
The security concerns are not entirely new.
In July, the police confirmed that they were investigating 30 cases of suspected politically motivated killings connected to the build-up to the election.
CSP Anietie Iniedu said several suspects had been arrested and some had been presented publicly before being taken to court.
Civil society organisations and political actors have also raised questions about the neutrality of security agencies. In June, a coalition of civil society groups and student representatives protested in Osogbo and called for the redeployment of Osun Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan, citing concerns over alleged political violence and public confidence in the command’s impartiality.
The controversy has extended to political parties.
The Accord Party previously accused the police command of failing to demonstrate neutrality, while the police have maintained that security personnel must perform their duties professionally and within the law.
The August 15 contest is shaping up as a closely watched race involving incumbent Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke of the Accord Party and All Progressives Congress candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, with African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Folasayo Salaam also regarded as a notable contender.
For Adeleke and Oyebamiji in particular, the election represents a significant political test.
Adeleke is seeking another term, while Oyebamiji is campaigning to take control of the state for the APC.
Their campaigns have unfolded amid calls for restraint and concerns that violence, intimidation and vote inducement could damage confidence in the outcome.
INEC has separately expressed concern about vote buying ahead of the poll, urging journalists and other stakeholders to document and expose attempts to influence voters through inducements.
The police have now added a further layer to those preparations by warning that ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech and incitement to violence will attract arrest and prosecution.
Firearms and other dangerous weapons will also be prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except where they are lawfully carried by accredited security personnel performing election duties.
IGP Olatunji Disu directed officers deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while respecting human rights and the rule of law.
The police also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists and accredited observers to report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
With Saturday’s election approaching, the Osun election security ban is intended to create a clearer chain of responsibility around the poll and prevent competing security structures from operating around voters and electoral officials.
For the people of Osun, the immediate priority remains straightforward: a peaceful election in which eligible voters can cast their ballots without fear, intimidation or unnecessary disruption.
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The police have promised a secure environment, while INEC and other stakeholders face the equally important task of ensuring that security arrangements translate into a credible and peaceful democratic process.
