OSOGBO, NIGERIA — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, along with local vigilante corps and all non-state security outfits, from participating in security operations for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The order was issued by police authorities as part of measures to maintain a unified, neutral, and legal security framework across all polling stations, collation centers, and local government areas on election day.



Strict Ban on Non-State Security Outfits

According to official statements from Force Headquarters, election day policing falls strictly under the constitutional purview of statutory federal security agencies operating within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) framework.

Consequently, members of Amotekun, state-sponsored security groups, local hunters, and private security companies have been ordered to stay away from election duties, polling units, and collation hubs across Osun State. Security leadership warned that any non-state operative found wearing uniforms, carrying arms, or attempting to perform security functions on election day will be promptly arrested and face prosecution.


"The decision to bar non-state outfits is aimed at preventing voter intimidation, ensuring absolute neutrality, and eliminating potential clashes between local security groups and political actors," police officials emphasized.




Multi-Agency Federal Security Deployment

To fill any operational gaps and guarantee public safety, the Inspector-General of Police has deployed thousands of conventional police personnel backed by elite tactical units. These include:

  • Police Mobile Force (PMF): For crowd control and perimeter defense around key locations.


  • Special Intervention Squad (SIS) & Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU): Deployed along high-risk electoral corridors and state boundaries.


  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) & K-9 Units: Stationed at strategic collation hubs and public centers to mitigate security threats.


Complementing the police are recognized federal sister agencies under ICCES, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and military units providing outer-perimeter border security.

Reassuring the Electorate and Political Stakeholders

The exclusion of Amotekun and local vigilantes addresses lingering concerns raised by various political parties and civil society organizations regarding potential bias or overreach by state-aligned security bodies during elections.

Police authorities reaffirmed that statutory officers assigned to election duty have undergone specialized training in human rights, electoral laws, and conflict de-escalation.

Residents across Osun State's 30 local government areas have been assured of maximum security coverage, with officials urging voters to turn out en masse on Saturday to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or harassment.