Osun election security measures tighten as police ban politicians and VIPs from taking armed escorts to polling units and collation centres
The Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, announced strict Osun election security measures ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll, barring politicians, VIPs and other political actors from taking armed escorts, security aides or unauthorised persons to polling units and collation centres across Osun State.
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The directive was issued by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu as part of efforts to protect voters, election officials, observers, journalists and electoral materials before, during and after the August 15 election.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the IGP had deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ishyaku Mohammed to Osun State to coordinate the police component of the election security operation.
Mohammed will work with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, while Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police have been strategically deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The police said the deployment would strengthen intelligence-led operations and ensure a swift response to potential threats during the election.
Particular emphasis has been placed on preventing political violence and attempts to undermine the voting process. The Force warned that ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery and other electoral offences would result in arrest and prosecution.
The restriction on armed escorts is among the most significant measures announced ahead of the poll. Politicians and VIPs will not be permitted to arrive at polling units or collation centres accompanied by armed security personnel or other unauthorised security aides.
State-established security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations have also been prohibited from participating in election-security duties.
The measures come as political activity intensifies ahead of the closely watched Osun governorship election, with major political parties and their supporters preparing for Saturday’s vote.
The police said adequate arrangements had been made to secure polling units and collation centres, as well as the movement of electoral personnel and materials.
The Force also appealed to eligible voters to participate peacefully and without fear, stressing that security personnel would remain neutral while protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
The latest Osun election security directive reflects the police leadership’s attempt to limit the presence of unofficial armed personnel around voting locations, where heightened political tensions can quickly escalate.
Disu also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights and the protection of the democratic process.
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With voters expected to head to the polls on August 15, the effectiveness of the security arrangements will be closely watched as Osun State prepares for a potentially consequential governorship contest.
