The Nigeria Police Force has announced the deployment of approximately 15,000 personnel across Osun State to provide security for the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The massive deployment is part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, free and credible electoral process while preventing violence, voter intimidation and other forms of electoral malpractice before, during and after the poll.
Speaking on Wednesday in Osogbo during a meeting with journalists and Divisional Police Officers at the Police Officers’ Mess, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Osun State, Samuel Erale Etaifo, said the operation would involve Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Police Mobile Force personnel and other specialized tactical units.
Etaifo explained that the election security arrangement is being treated as a national assignment, with adequate resources mobilized to guarantee the safety of voters, election officials and electoral materials.
He warned politicians, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security personnel and other stakeholders against engaging in any act capable of compromising the integrity of the election.
According to him, individuals arrested for serious electoral offences would be transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for investigation and prosecution.
The commissioner said the decision was intended to prevent interference with investigations and judicial proceedings that could arise if suspects remained within the state.
He stressed that anyone caught engaging in vote buying, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, election violence or any other electoral offence would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Etaifo noted that the warning also applies to political parties, election officials and security operatives, emphasizing that no individual or group would receive preferential treatment.
He disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police assigned him to coordinate election security operations across Osun State with the objective of maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process.
As part of the preparations, Etaifo said he had already met with Governor Ademola Adeleke to brief him on the security strategy and reassure the state government of the police’s commitment to conducting a peaceful election.
He added that security personnel were being deployed well ahead of election day to boost public confidence and encourage eligible voters to participate without fear of violence or intimidation.
According to him, a secure environment would help reduce voter apathy and promote a smooth and orderly electoral exercise.
The election security commissioner further assured all political parties and candidates that the Nigeria Police Force would remain impartial throughout the election.
He stated that every political party and candidate would be given equal opportunity to campaign and participate in the election without harassment, intimidation or discrimination.
Etaifo also directed officers assigned to election duties to discharge their responsibilities professionally and maintain the highest standards of discipline.
He warned security personnel against collaborating with politicians or engaging in any action capable of undermining the credibility of the election, stressing that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary measures.
He appealed to residents of Osun State to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities that could threaten public peace.
The police commissioner concluded by assuring citizens that all necessary security arrangements had been finalized to ensure that the August 15 governorship election is conducted peacefully, safely and in line with democratic principles.
READ ALSO:
- Osun Govt to EFCC: There’s No Fund to Loot in Osun State
- FIFA Reaffirms Support for Infantino After Dropping World Cup Investment Proposal
- EFCC Clarifies Only One Osun Government Account Was Temporarily Restricted
- Wike Needs Psychiatric Care, Bode George Says, Throws Weight Behind Jonathan for 2027
- Osun Poll: Political Intimidation Won’t Stop Adeleke’s Re-Election, Davido Declares
