Osun Election: Police Ban Amotekun, Hunters, Vigilantes From Security Operations

The Nigeria Police Force has barred Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, Joint Civilian Task Force, community-based security outfits and neighbourhood watch groups from taking part in security operations during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The police said the affected groups were not authorised to participate in election security duties such as escorting electoral materials, protecting polling units, setting up checkpoints or carrying firearms during the exercise.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The Force urged the affected groups to comply with the directive and warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other residents against acts capable of disrupting the election.

It listed ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between supporters of rival political parties among the offences that would attract arrest and prosecution.

The police said anyone found committing or sponsoring electoral violence would be dealt with regardless of their political affiliation or position.

According to the Force, authorised agencies for election security 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.

The joint security operation will cover all 30 Local Government Areas in Osun State. Personnel will be deployed to polling units and collation centres, while also providing security for electoral officials, materials, accredited observers, journalists and voters.

The police also warned political parties and candidates against hiring, arming or deploying unauthorised security groups during the election.

The Force said individuals or groups involved in such activities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It further reminded residents that firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive items would not be allowed around polling units or collation centres. The only exception would be firearms legally carried by accredited security personnel assigned to election duties.

The police said anyone involved in thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech or incitement to violence would face arrest and prosecution.

The Inspector-General directed commanders and officers deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while respecting the rights of citizens and operating within the law.

The Force also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, journalists and accredited election observers to report suspicious activities or movements to security authorities.

It assured residents, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties and candidates that adequate security measures were being put in place to enable eligible voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.

The police said they would maintain neutrality throughout the election and would not allow any individual or group to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the poll.