Osun Poll: Police Restrict Movement, Restate Ban On Amotekun, Local Security Outfits

By RhemDy News

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated the prohibition on the participation of Amotekun and other non-state security actors in election-related security operations ahead of the Saturday, August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State.

As part of comprehensive measures to ensure a peaceful, secure and orderly conduct of the election, restriction of movement has also been announced from 12 midnight on Friday, August 14, 2026, until 6p.m. on election day.

Spokesperson of the Force, CSP Ani Iniedu, in a statement on Friday emphasised that only security agencies recognised and established under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are authorised to perform security and law-enforcement duties alongside the Nigeria Police in connection with the election. 

"No non-state security group, vigilante organisation or other unauthorised body is permitted to assume or exercise the functions of a recognised security agency. 

"Accordingly, such groups are directed to stay away from election-related security operations and refrain from any activity capable of intimidating voters, disrupting the electoral process or undermining public peace and security," he said.

Police further urged members of the public to comply fully with the restriction and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the State. 

"Only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities will be permitted during the period," the police maintained.

The statement further advised political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, and to also  refrain themselves from any act capable of causing violence or disrupting the electoral process.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace, security and a level-playing field for all political actors and eligible voters throughout the electoral process.

Police charged the public to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative, and to promptly report any suspicious or unlawful activity to constitutionally and legally recognised security agencies.