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 Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
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.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
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,” 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 said.
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It warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the process through violence, intimidation or thuggery would face the full weight of the law.
The Force specifically cited ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters as recurring electoral offences that 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, listing 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.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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