The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to political parties, candidates and their supporters ahead of the Osun State governorship election on Saturday, August 15, 2026, vowing to arrest and prosecute anyone who attempts to disrupt the poll.
The warning covers electoral offences including ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, thuggery and clashes between supporters of rival political parties. The police said both perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence would face the law, regardless of their political affiliation or status.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Force also cautioned against the use of unauthorised security groups during the election.
The police specifically named Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, the Joint Civilian Task Force, community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch organisations among those not authorised to participate in election security. Such groups, it said, must not escort electoral materials, mount checkpoints, guard polling units or carry weapons during the exercise.
The Force said election security would be handled by constitutionally recognised 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.
Security personnel will be deployed across all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, with coverage extending to polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, observers, journalists and voters.
The police also warned against firearms, dangerous weapons, hate speech, incitement, obstruction of electoral officials and unlawful possession of electoral materials around polling and collation centres. Only accredited security personnel lawfully carrying weapons while on election duty will be permitted to bear arms in such areas.
IGP Disu directed officers deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while respecting the rights of citizens. The Force also urged traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, journalists, observers and residents to report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
The police assured Osun residents and other stakeholders that it would remain neutral and committed to protecting voters and maintaining a peaceful electoral process. It warned that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the election.
