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 the security arrangements for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The Force also warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process, stressing that anyone involved in violence, intimidation, thuggery or other electoral offences will face the full weight of the law.

This warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The police said recurring electoral offences, including ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters, would not be tolerated during the election.

According to the Force, perpetrators and sponsors of such offences would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.

The police stressed that election security remains the exclusive responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies.

It specifically listed Amotekun, vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other non-state or quasi-security formations as having no role in the election security architecture.

The banned groups, according to the police, are not permitted to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or carry arms for election-related purposes.

The Force warned political parties and candidates against engaging, arming or deploying any of the unauthorised security outfits, saying members or sponsors of such groups would be arrested and prosecuted.

The police said authorised security agencies for the election include 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, alongside other statutory bodies.

It said the joint security deployment would cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, with personnel deployed to protect polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists and voters.

The Force further warned that firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials would be prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except weapons lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.

It added that anyone found engaging in thuggery, obstructing electoral officials, unlawfully possessing election materials, spreading hate speech or inciting violence would be arrested and charged to court.

The IGP directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while operating within the rule of law and respecting human rights.

The police also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists, accredited observers and members of the public to report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels.

The Force assured residents of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing a secure environment for voters to freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

“The Police remain neutral, professional, and resolute, and will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election,” the statement said.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026.