The Nigeria Police Force has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security organisations from participating in security operations during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The police said only constitutionally recognised security agencies would be involved in securing the election, warning political parties, candidates and their supporters against recruiting, arming or deploying non-state security groups for electoral activities.
The warning was contained 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 election is scheduled for August 15 across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State.
According to the police, Amotekun, vigilante organisations, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch outfits are not authorised to escort election materials, secure polling units, establish checkpoints or carry firearms during the poll.
“The Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and all other non-state or quasi-security formations have no role in election security,” the statement said.
The Force warned that individuals or sponsors who deploy unauthorised security groups for election-related activities would be arrested and prosecuted.
It also cautioned political parties, candidates and their supporters against acts capable of disrupting the election, including violence, intimidation, thuggery, ballot snatching and vote buying.
“Any person involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status,” the police warned.
The police said security responsibility for the election would be handled by statutory agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps.
It added that the joint security deployment would cover all 30 LGAs and protect polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, observers, journalists and voters.
The Force also warned that firearms, dangerous weapons and offensive materials would not be permitted around polling and collation centres, except where lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
It said persons involved in thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech or incitement to violence would be arrested and prosecuted.
The IGP directed officers deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while respecting human rights and the rule of law.
The police further urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists and accredited observers to report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
“The public, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and accredited observers are urged to report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels,” the statement added.
The Force assured Osun residents, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders that it would remain neutral and provide a secure environment for voters to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
