The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to deploy about 15,000 personnel to provide security during the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing police officers deployed for the exercise in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
Etaifo said the security deployment would comprise conventional police officers, specialists, the Police Mobile Force, medical personnel and members of the police dog unit to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
“We are expecting nothing less than 15,000 officers for this election. The deployment includes conventional policemen, specialists, the dog section, medical personnel and the Police Mobile Force. The Deputy Inspector General of Police and the Assistant Inspector General in charge of the operation will also be in the state,” he said.
He explained that the Inspector-General of Police assigned him to oversee security for the election and directed his early deployment because of heightened political tension in the state.
“I have been deployed by the Inspector-General of Police to serve as the Commissioner of Police in charge of this election. Although we were expected to arrive a few days before the poll, the prevailing security situation made the IGP direct my early deployment,” Etaifo added.
The police commissioner urged all officers participating in the operation to maintain professionalism, respect the law and remain impartial throughout the electoral process.
He warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt the conduct of the election or violate electoral laws would face the full weight of the law, regardless of status.
“Anyone arrested for violating electoral laws during the election will be transferred to Abuja. This is a national assignment, and that directive will be strictly enforced,” he said.
Osun voters are expected to elect a governor on August 15, with 14 candidates, including the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, contesting in the election.
