Osun 2026: Police Bar Amotekun, Vigilantes, Hunters from Election Security

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a directive barring all non-state security outfits, including the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, hunters, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), from participating in security operations for the upcoming Osun State governorship election. The ban, announced ahead of the August 15 election, prohibits these groups from escorting election materials, guarding polling units, setting up checkpoints, or bearing arms.

According to a statement released on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, by Force Public Relations Officer Ani Iniedu, any individual or group found deploying or sponsoring unauthorized security outfits for the poll will be arrested and prosecuted. The police emphasized that only authorized security agencies are permitted to participate in the joint election security operation, which will cover all 30 local government areas of the state.

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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, including escorting materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms.

The authorized agencies include the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, and Federal Road Safety Corps. Their deployment will encompass polling units, collation centers, and the secure movement of electoral materials, officials, voters, observers, and journalists.

Political parties, candidates, and the public have been specifically warned against engaging, arming, or deploying any non-state security outfit for election-related purposes. The police reiterated that members or sponsors of such unauthorized groups will face legal consequences. This directive comes amidst heightened tensions in Osun State, marked by recent killings, shootings, and clashes among political supporters. The police stated the restrictions are intended to ensure election security remains under the control of recognized agencies and to prevent individuals or groups from taking the law into their own hands. Firearms and other dangerous weapons will be prohibited near polling and collation centers, except when lawfully carried by accredited security personnel.

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Political parties, candidates, and the public are warned against engaging, arming, or deploying any non-state security outfit for election-related purposes. Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law.