The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations for the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.
According to the directive, such groups are not authorised to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or carry arms in connection with the election.
The police also warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against engaging, arming or deploying unauthorised security groups for election-related activities.
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 Disu.
The Force listed Amotekun, vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other non-state or quasi-security formations among those excluded from election security duties.
The police warned that anyone who sponsors or deploys such groups for election-related activities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Force further warned political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process, including violence, intimidation, thuggery, ballot snatching and vote buying.
It said offenders and their sponsors would face prosecution irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
The police said election security would remain the responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies, including 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, among others.
The development comes amid heightened security concerns ahead of the August 15 governorship election, which will be conducted across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State.
