The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, and other quasi-security groups and private security organisations from participating in election-security duties during the Osun State governorship election. The ban was announced in a statement on Wednesday, August 12, ahead of the poll scheduled for Saturday, August 15.
Ban on Security Aides and Armed Escorts
Disu also reaffirmed the ban on armed escorts, security aides and other unauthorised persons accompanying political figures or VIPs to polling units and collation centres on election day. The IGP warned political actors, their supporters and “all intending troublemakers” that ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery and other electoral offences would attract prompt arrest and prosecution.
“State-established security outfits, quasi-security groups, and private security organisations are equally barred from election-security duties, consistent with established NPF election-security directives,” Disu said in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
Deployment of DIG to Coordinate Security
Meanwhile, the IGP has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed, to Osun State to coordinate security operations for the governorship election. The deployment is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s operational measures to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process across the state.
DIG Mohammed is expected to coordinate the police component of the election-security arrangement and work closely with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. He will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police strategically deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts to supervise operations, strengthen intelligence-led policing and ensure prompt responses to emerging threats.
Security Arrangements and Assurance to Voters
The police said adequate security arrangements had been put in place to protect voters, INEC personnel, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and media practitioners before, during and after the election. The Force reassured residents, voters and visitors in the state of adequate security and urged all eligible citizens to exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear.
The police reiterated their commitment to professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights and the protection of the electoral process throughout the election.
