The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, vigilante groups, Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security outfits and neighbourhood watch groups from participating in security operations during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The Police said the affected non-state and quasi-security groups were not authorised to take part in election-related security duties, including escorting electoral materials, protecting polling units, setting up checkpoints or carrying firearms.
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 all affected groups and individuals to comply with the directive in order to maintain peace before, during and after the election.
It also warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other members of the public against violence, intimidation and thuggery during the poll.
According to the Police, electoral offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between supporters of opposing parties would not be tolerated.
The Force said anyone involved in such offences, whether as a perpetrator or sponsor, would be arrested and prosecuted regardless of political affiliation or status.
The Police listed the NPF, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) among the agencies authorised to participate in election security.
It said the security deployment would cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, including polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists and voters.
The Force also cautioned political parties, candidates and members of the public against hiring, arming or deploying unauthorised security outfits for election-related duties.
“Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” it said.
The Police further reiterated that firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials would not be permitted around polling units and collation centres, except when lawfully carried by accredited security personnel performing election duties.
It added that individuals involved in thuggery, obstructing electoral officials, unlawfully possessing electoral materials, hate speech or incitement to violence would be arrested and prosecuted.
IGP Disu directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to carry out their duties professionally, impartially and firmly, while respecting the rule of law and human rights.
The Force also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, media organisations and accredited observers to report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency or designated emergency channels.
The Police assured residents of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, candidates and other stakeholders that adequate security measures would be provided to enable eligible voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
The Force maintained that it would remain neutral, professional and resolute in preventing individuals or groups from disrupting the peaceful conduct of the governorship election.