Osun Election: Nigerian Police Tighten Security, Ban Amotekun, Other Vigilante Groups, Restrict Movement | Sahara Reporters

The Force said no non-state security group, vigilante organisation or other unauthorised body would be permitted to assume or exercise the functions of a recognised security agency.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reiterated its prohibition on the participation of Amotekun and other non-state security actors in election-related security operations ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election.

The Force also announced a restriction of movement across the state from midnight on Friday, August 14, 2026, until 6pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the election.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police said 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 police during the election.

The Force said no non-state security group, vigilante organisation or other unauthorised body would be permitted to assume or exercise the functions of a recognised security agency.

According to the statement, “such groups are directed to stay away from election-related security operations and refrain from any activity capable of intimidating voters, disrupting the electoral process or undermining public peace and security.”

The police said the restriction of movement would take effect from “12:00 midnight on Friday, 14th August, 2026, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 15th August, 2026.”

The NPF urged residents and other members of the public to comply fully with the restriction and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state.

It added that only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities would be permitted during the restriction period.

The Force further called on political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process.

“Political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders are advised to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly and refrain from any act capable of causing violence or disrupting the electoral process,” the statement said.

The police also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, security and a level playing field for all political actors and eligible voters throughout the election.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to maintaining peace, security and a level playing field for all political actors and eligible voters throughout the electoral process,” it said.

The Force urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative, while advising them to promptly report suspicious or unlawful activities to constitutionally and legally recognised security agencies.