Nigeria Police to Deploy Four Officers Per Polling Unit in Osun Election

The Nigeria Police Force will deploy a minimum of four officers to each polling unit during the upcoming Osun State governorship election, marking one of the largest security operations the state has ever witnessed. Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, revealed this plan during a meeting with civil society organizations in Abuja on Friday.

Disu detailed that Osun State comprises 30 local governments, 332 wards, and 3,673 polling units. He contrasted this scale with the recent election in Anambra State, which he described as peaceful and largely complaint-free. The deployment in Osun will exceed that of Ekiti State, where a similar strategy was employed successfully. "The number of officers who are deploying is huge," Disu stated, noting the need to account for the "tension that the election is already generating."

In addition to the four officers per polling unit, personnel from other security agencies are expected to support the police presence. The extensive deployment aims to reassure residents and encourage them to vote without fear. "Every officer visible on the streets had been deployed specifically to protect voters," Disu emphasized. The police have already begun deploying teams to Osun, focusing on areas identified as high-risk for violence.

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So it’s a very, very large one. Large than the last election we had in Ekiti. I’m happy you mentioned Ekiti. Beautiful election. I don’t think we had complaints. We deployed just like we are doing in Osun. But Osun case we are deploying more than that. The number of officers who are deploying is huge. But you take into consideration the tension that the election is already generating and the fact that we have 3,673 polling units. We intend to have nothing less than 4 policemen in all the polling booths. We intend to do that. And then don’t forget that then we have other sister agencies supporting us who should also be at the polling units.

The Inspector General urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, advocating for contests based on ideas and policies rather than violence. "No political ambition is worth the loss of a single Nigerian life," Disu declared.

Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, views the August 15 election as a "litmus test" for restoring public trust in Nigeria's electoral process, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. He highlighted the neutrality of security agencies as a critical factor.

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No political ambition is worth the loss of a single Nigerian life.