Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, the Nigeria Police Force has imposed a statewide movement restriction and warned Amotekun, vigilante groups and other unauthorised security outfits to stay away from election-related operations.
FILE: Police operatives are seen during an operation. (Photo by Olympia DE MAISMONT / AFP)
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reiterated its ban on the participation of the Amotekun Corps and other non-state security groups in security operations for the Osun State Governorship Election.
The Force also announced a restriction on movement across the state from midnight on Friday, August 14, 2026, to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday ahead of the poll.
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 in connection with the election.
It warned that 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.
“Accordingly, 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 statement said.
The Force urged members of the public to comply fully with the movement 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 allowed during the restriction period.
The police further advised political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, warning against actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting the electoral process.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security, as well as ensuring a level playing field for all political actors and eligible voters throughout the election.
It also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding and to promptly report suspicious or unlawful activities to constitutionally and legally recognised security agencies.
