Osun poll: Police exclude Amotekun, vigilantes from election security operations

The Nigeria Police Force has announced that Amotekun Corps, vigilante groups and other quasi-security outfits will not participate in security operations during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The directive was issued by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, who said only personnel from constitutionally recognised security agencies would be deployed to provide security before, during and after the election.

According to the police, the decision is aimed at ensuring professionalism, neutrality and effective coordination of security operations throughout the electoral process.

The command stated that only authorised security personnel, properly identified in their official uniforms, would be allowed to perform election-related security duties at polling units, collation centres and other designated locations.

It warned that members of Amotekun, neighbourhood watch groups, vigilante organisations and other unauthorised bodies must not engage in election security or any activity capable of interfering with the conduct of the poll.

The police cautioned that anyone found violating the directive or attempting to intimidate voters, electoral officials or political actors would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The command also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.

Residents were encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and any threats to public peace, while the police assured voters that adequate measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful, free and credible governorship election across the state.