By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations for the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.
This directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu.
According to the statement, the police said the groups had no role in securing the election and warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against engaging, arming or deploying them for election-related purposes.
The Force said Amotekun, vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other non-state or quasi-security formations were not authorised to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or bear arms during the election.
“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 statement read.
The police urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive in the interest of peace and warned that members or sponsors of unauthorised security outfits deployed for election-related activities would be arrested and prosecuted.
“Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” the Force warned.
The police also issued a broader warning to political parties, candidates, supporters and the public, saying the election must be conducted peacefully.
“The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, warns political parties, candidates, supporters, and the public that the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, 15th August, 2026, must be peaceful,” the statement added.
It warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the process through violence, intimidation or thuggery would face the full weight of the law.
The police further warned that recurring electoral offences like ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters would not be tolerated.
“Any person involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status,” it said.
The police said election security was the responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and other statutory bodies.
According to the statement, the joint security deployment would cover all 30 LGAs of the state and secure polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists, and voters.
The police further warned political parties, candidates, and members of the public against engaging, arming, or deploying non-state security outfits for election-related purposes.
It also reiterated that firearms, dangerous weapons, and offensive materials were prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
“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 warned.
The IGP directed commanders and personnel deployed for the election to act professionally, impartially and firmly while adhering to the rule of law and respecting human rights.
The Force also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and accredited observers to report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels.
The police assured the people of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing a secure environment for the election.
It said eligible voters must be able to exercise their franchise freely and without fear or intimidation.
“The Police remain neutral, professional, and resolute, and will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election,” the Force said.
