Police Exclude Amotekun, Vigilantes from Osun Election Security

The Nigeria Police Force has ruled out the participation of Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security organisations in security arrangements for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

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The Force warned political parties, candidates and their supporters not to engage, arm or deploy any of the prohibited groups for activities connected with the election.

The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

The Osun governorship poll is expected to hold in all 30 local government areas of the state on Saturday.

According to the police, Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, the Joint Civilian Task Force, community-based security organisations, neighbourhood watch groups and similar outfits were not authorised to participate in election security.

The Force said such groups must not be used to escort election materials, protect polling units, operate checkpoints or carry weapons during the exercise.

It warned that any person or organisation found sponsoring or deploying unauthorised security personnel for election duties would be arrested and prosecuted.

The police also called on political actors and members of the public to shun violence, intimidation and other conduct capable of disrupting the electoral process.

It specifically warned against ballot-box snatching, vote buying, voter intimidation and violent confrontations between supporters of opposing political parties.

The Force said offenders and their sponsors would face prosecution irrespective of their political affiliation or position.

It explained that election security would be undertaken by statutory security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps.

The agencies, it said, would provide security at polling units and collation centres while protecting election materials, officials, observers, journalists and voters throughout the state.

The police further restated that firearms, offensive weapons and other dangerous materials were prohibited around polling and collation centres, except where lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.

It warned that anyone involved in thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, illegal possession of election materials, hate speech or incitement to violence would be apprehended and taken to court.

Disu directed officers deployed for the election to remain neutral, professional and decisive while observing the rule of law and respecting citizens’ rights.

The Force also appealed to traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society groups, journalists and accredited observers to report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies.

It assured voters and other stakeholders that adequate security arrangements had been made to ensure a peaceful election.

The police stressed that every eligible voter must be allowed to exercise their franchise without fear, intimidation or interference.