The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has strengthened security arrangements ahead of the Osun State governorship election with the deployment of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed, to coordinate police operations across the state.
The governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with the Nigeria Police Force saying the deployment is part of measures to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process.
According to an official statement signed by CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer, DIG Mohammed will coordinate the Police component of the election-security arrangement and work closely with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES.
The DIG will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police deployed strategically across Osun’s three senatorial districts to supervise operations, strengthen intelligence-led policing and ensure prompt response to emerging threats.
The Force said comprehensive security arrangements had also been put in place to protect voters, INEC personnel, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and media practitioners before, during and after the election.
The IGP warned political actors, their supporters and other intending troublemakers against ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery and other electoral offences, stressing that offenders would be promptly arrested and prosecuted.
Disu also reiterated the ban on armed escorts, security aides and other unauthorised persons accompanying political figures or VIPs to polling units and collation centres on election day.
He further stated that state-established security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations were barred from participating in election-security duties, in line with established Nigeria Police Force directives.
The Force reassured residents, voters and visitors in Osun State of adequate security and urged eligible citizens to exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear.
It reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights and the protection of the electoral process throughout the election period.
