Osun Election: Police reiterate ban on Amotekun, other non-state actors
…Movement restricted from midnight Friday to 6pm Saturday
By Kingsley Omonobi
ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has reiterated its ban on the participation of Amotekun and other non-state security groups in security operations for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The Force also announced a restriction of movement across the state from midnight on Friday, August 14, to 6pm on Saturday, August 15, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the election.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
According to him, only security agencies recognised and established under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are authorised to perform security and law-enforcement duties alongside the Nigeria Police Force during the election.
“The Force emphasises that only security agencies recognised and established under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are authorised to perform security and law-enforcement duties alongside the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the election.
“No non-state security group, vigilante organisation or other unauthorised body is permitted to assume or exercise the functions of a recognised security agency,” he said.
The police spokesman directed such groups to stay away from election-related security operations and refrain from activities capable of intimidating voters, disrupting the electoral process or threatening public peace and security.
He said the movement restriction would take effect from 12 midnight on Friday, August 14, until 6pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
“Members of the public are urged to comply fully with the restriction and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state.
“Only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities will be permitted during the period,” Iniedu said.
The police also advised political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the election.
They were warned against actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting the electoral process.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security and providing a level playing field for political actors and eligible voters during the election.
It urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative, while promptly reporting suspicious or unlawful activities to constitutionally and legally recognised security agencies.
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