The Nigeria Police Force has stopped Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and other local security outfits from taking part in security operations during Saturday's governorship election in Osun State.
The police said these groups cannot escort election materials, guard polling units, set up checkpoints, or carry weapons for election security. They warned that anyone who uses or sponsors unauthorized security groups for the election will face arrest and prosecution.
This order was shared in a statement from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu. This comes as security agencies ramp up preparations for the election on August 15.
"The Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters' associations, community security groups, neighbourhood watches, and all other unofficial or quasi-security formations have no role in election security. This includes escorting materials, guarding polling units, setting up checkpoints, or carrying arms," the statement said.
The police confirmed that only authorized security agencies would take part in the joint election security operation across the 30 local government areas in the state. The authorized agencies 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.
This deployment will cover polling units and collation centres. It will also ensure the movement and protection of electoral materials, election officials, voters, observers, and journalists.
The police specifically warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters against using or deploying unofficial security outfits during the election.
"Political parties, candidates, and the public are warned against engaging, arming, or deploying any non-state security outfit for election-related activities. Anyone involved with such unauthorized groups will be arrested and face legal consequences," the statement added.
This warning comes as tensions rise in Osun State before the election. The state has seen a number of killings, shootings, and clashes between political supporters and other groups leading up to the poll.
The police explained that these restrictions aim to keep election security under the control of recognized security agencies and prevent anyone from taking the law into their own hands.
They also stated that firearms and other dangerous weapons are not allowed near polling units and collation centres, except for those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
The police said actions like ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, clashes between rival supporters, thuggery, blocking electoral officials, unlawful possession of electoral materials, hate speech, and incitement to violence will not be tolerated.
They made it clear that those who commit or support such acts will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their political ties or status.
The IGP directed officers and commanders assigned to the election to act professionally, remain impartial, and respect human rights and the rule of law.
The Force also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, journalists, and accredited election observers to report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
They assured residents and stakeholders that security agencies would create a safe environment for voters to exercise their rights without fear.
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