Police Bar Amotekun, Vigilante Groups From Osun Governorship Election Security Operations

The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, 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, 2026.

The directive was issued as the police stepped up preparations to ensure a peaceful and credible election across the state’s 30 local government areas.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, the police warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against engaging, arming or deploying unauthorised security groups during the election.

The Force specifically stated that Amotekun, vigilante organisations, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other quasi-security formations were not permitted to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, establish checkpoints or carry weapons as part of election security operations.

The police said anyone who sponsors or deploys such groups for election-related activities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The warning comes as security agencies intensify preparations for the Osun election, with concerns over possible electoral violence, voter intimidation, thuggery and clashes between supporters of rival political parties.

The police further cautioned candidates, political parties and members of the public against ballot snatching, vote buying, obstruction of electoral officials, hate speech and other actions capable of disrupting the voting process. According to the Force, anyone found involved in electoral offences would face arrest and prosecution regardless of political affiliation or status.

For the election, security responsibilities will 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 other statutory agencies.

The joint security operation will cover polling units, collation centres, electoral materials and officials, as well as voters, observers, journalists and other stakeholders participating in the election.

The Inspector-General of Police also directed officers deployed to Osun State to maintain professionalism, impartiality and respect for citizens’ rights while carrying out their duties. The Force said its personnel had been adequately briefed on the need to remain neutral and uphold the rule of law.

The police equally warned against the possession of firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials around polling units and collation centres, except where such weapons are lawfully carried by accredited security personnel performing election duties.

Beyond the security agencies, the Force called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists and accredited election observers to assist by reporting suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate authorities.

The police assured residents of Osun State and other stakeholders that it remained committed to providing a safe environment where eligible voters could cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.

With the election only days away, the latest directive underscores the police position that election security in Osun will remain under the control of recognised government security agencies, while political actors and their supporters are expected to comply fully with the rules governing the electoral process.