Nigeria Police bar Amotekun, vigilantes from Osun governorship election security operations
The Nigeria Police Force has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, and other non-state security groups from participating in security operations for the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. The Force stated that these groups have no role in election security and warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters against engaging or deploying them for election-related purposes. This directive was issued in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. The police emphasized that only constitutionally recognized security agencies are authorized for election security. They also warned against electoral offenses such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and vote buying, stating that perpetrators and sponsors will be prosecuted. The police urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive to ensure a peaceful election and called on the public to report suspicious activities.
