The Nigeria Police Force has maintained the deployment of more than 15,000 personnel in Osun State following Saturday’s governorship election, as authorities intensify efforts to prevent post-election violence.
According to The PUNCH, anti-riot officers and undercover operatives have also been positioned at identified flashpoints and strategic locations across the state to monitor developments and respond to potential threats.
The move comes against the backdrop of at least 34 election-related violent incidents recorded in Osun since May 2026, with 18 deaths linked to the incidents.
Although the election was largely peaceful, isolated cases of violence were reported on election day, prompting concerns over possible clashes following the poll.
Speaking on the security measures, the Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, said the personnel deployed for the election had remained in the state to sustain security operations.
«“The officers who came for the election are still on the ground. We have deployed anti-riot policemen to flashpoints and junctions across a few states,” Iniedu said.»
He added that plain-clothes operatives were also gathering intelligence and monitoring developments in different locations.
«“We have undercover agents moving from one point to the other, picking out intelligence and informing the police,” he said.»
Iniedu said senior police officers had equally been deployed to coordinate the post-election security arrangements.
He explained that the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioner of Police were all involved in the operation.
«“The DIG is coordinating the election on the ground. The AIG is on the ground. The CP is on the ground,” he said.»
The police spokesman assured residents that the force remained on high alert to prevent any incident capable of threatening peace in the aftermath of the election.
«“We are on full alert to ensure that nothing untoward happens as part of our post-election security plan,” Iniedu stated.»
Ahead of the election, the police had deployed more than 15,000 personnel and at least 30 Commissioners of Police to Osun State.
A Deputy Inspector-General of Police was also assigned to coordinate the security arrangements for the election.
The police said the deployment was aimed at safeguarding the electoral process and preventing violence and other security breaches before, during and after the election.
