The Nigeria Police Force has tightened security ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, imposing a statewide movement restriction and barring Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from participating in election security operations.
The movement restriction takes effect from 12:00 midnight on Friday, August 14, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, according to the police.
Police authorities said only security agencies recognised by Nigerian law will be permitted to perform election-related security duties. The directive covers polling units, collation centres and other locations connected to the electoral process.
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The ban is intended to prevent intimidation, disruption and the involvement of partisan or unauthorised groups in the election. The police warned that non-state actors must not interfere with security operations or undertake duties reserved for statutory security agencies.
The decision comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions and reported incidents of violence ahead of the poll. Security agencies have consequently been placed on heightened alert across Osun’s 30 local government areas.
Political parties, candidates and their supporters have been urged to comply with the directives, maintain peace and cooperate with security personnel deployed for the election.
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The police also appealed to residents to obey the movement restriction and promptly report suspicious activities to authorised security agencies.
The Osun governorship election holds on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with heightened security measures expected before, during and immediately after voting.
