Osun Election: Police reiterate ban on Amotekun, other non-state actors

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We won’t allow criminality thrive in Osun - Amotekun Commander

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…Movement restricted from midnight Friday to 6pm Saturday

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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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.

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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.

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The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

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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.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

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He said the movement restriction would take effect from 12 midnight on Friday, August 14, until 6pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

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“Members of the public are urged to comply fully with the restriction and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state.

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“Only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities will be permitted during the period,” Iniedu said.

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The police also advised political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the election.

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They were warned against actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting the electoral process.

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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.

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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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