The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports that hundreds of police personnel deployed to Osun State for the August 15, 2026 governorship election have remained in the state for weeks without adequate food and basic welfare provisions.
The Force said the continued deployment of the officers was part of established post-election security procedures and did not amount to neglect.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Anietie Iniedu, made this known in a statement issued on Friday.
The clarification followed reports by some media organisations alleging that hundreds of officers drawn from as many as 50 Police Mobile Force squadrons had remained in Osun weeks after the election.
According to the reports, some of the personnel were allegedly camped in difficult conditions, with inadequate food and other basic provisions, including in the Gbongan area, while having little operational activity after their election duties.
However, the police said the continued presence of the personnel was necessary to sustain security, prevent possible post-election violence, respond to emerging threats and facilitate a smooth transition to normal policing.
“The Nigeria Police Force has noted a recent publication alleging that hundreds of police personnel deployed to Osun State for the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election have remained there for weeks under harsh conditions, lacking adequate food and basic welfare provisions.
“The Force clarifies that the continued presence of personnel in Osun State follows established post-election deployment procedures. This proactive measure sustains security, prevents post-election violence, addresses emerging threats, and ensures a smooth transition to normal policing. The duration of deployment is determined by operational and security needs,” the statement read.
The Force also rejected claims that the officers had been abandoned or denied adequate welfare.
“The Force rejects claims that personnel have been abandoned or subjected to inadequate welfare. All officers deployed for the election have received their approved entitlements, and command structures remain responsible for their welfare throughout the assignment,” it said.
The police further criticised reports describing the continued deployment as evidence of institutional neglect, saying such portrayals could affect the morale of personnel and public confidence in the Force.
“Portraying a planned post-election security deployment as institutional neglect is misleading. Such reporting misrepresents operational realities and may undermine personnel morale and public confidence in the Force,” the statement added.
The Force reiterated its commitment to the welfare of its personnel, saying officers would continue to be strategically deployed where necessary to protect lives and property and maintain public peace.
It also urged media organisations to verify information, particularly claims attributed to unnamed sources, before publishing reports that could mislead the public or undermine security operations.
The August 15 governorship election was won by incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, who secured 511,067 votes against 444,815 votes recorded by the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Adeleke won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in the remaining 11.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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