Osun 2026: Don’t harbour criminals, DIG Fayoade warns politicians

Politicians in Osun State have been sternly warned against harboring criminals as the 2026 governorship election approaches. The Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, declared that security agencies will not tolerate violence or lawlessness, emphasizing that politicians found shielding criminals will face legal consequences. He directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police to collaborate with other security agencies, including the Army and Civil Defence Corps, to initiate regular joint "show of force" operations across the state. These operations aim to deter potential troublemakers and demonstrate the agencies' readiness to maintain order. The warning was issued during a stakeholders' meeting in Osogbo, convened to address escalating political tensions. The meeting included representatives from various security bodies, the electoral commission, intelligence services, and political parties. Fayoade stressed the determination of security agencies to ensure Osun experiences a peaceful election, drawing parallels with recent successful polls in Ekiti and Anambra states. He noted that the current tension appears to be a continuation of issues from the 2022 governorship election and vowed that such a recurrence would not be permitted. Security forces are tasked with identifying criminal hideouts, gathering intelligence, and apprehending those involved in violence, regardless of their political affiliations. "We don’t care who harbours the criminals or what affiliation they have. As long as they are disturbing the peace of the people, they must be brought to book," Fayoade stated.

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We want to continue to have peaceful elections like we had in Ekiti and Anambra states, and Osun will not be an exception.