Police Bar Amotekun, Vigilantes from Osun Governorship Election Security

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a directive barring the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, along with other vigilante groups and non-state security outfits, from participating in security operations for the upcoming Osun State governorship election. The police emphasized that these groups have no authorized role in securing the election and warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters against engaging, arming, or deploying them for any election-related activities.

The warning, conveyed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, explicitly stated that Amotekun, vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters' associations, community-based security groups, neighborhood watch outfits, and similar formations are not permitted to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints, or bear arms during the election. The statement reiterated that these non-state or quasi-security formations "have no role in election security."

The police urged all stakeholders to adhere to this directive to ensure peace during the election, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, across Osun State's 30 Local Government Areas. The Force warned that any member or sponsor of unauthorized security outfits involved in election-related activities would face arrest and prosecution under the law.

Furthermore, the police issued a broader warning to all political parties, candidates, supporters, and the public, stressing that the election must be conducted peacefully. The statement declared that anyone attempting to disrupt the process through violence, intimidation, or thuggery would face the full extent of the law. Specific electoral offenses such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, and clashes between rival supporters were highlighted as unacceptable and would be met with swift legal action, regardless of the perpetrator's political affiliation or status. The police affirmed that election security is solely the responsibility of constitutionally recognized agencies.