Police Bar Amotekun from Osun Election

Ahead of the Nigeria — Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, the Nigeria — Nigeria Police Force issued a directive barring the Eastern Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters' associations, community-based security groups, and neighbourhood watch outfits from participating in election security operations. The police stated that these non-state and quasi-security formations have no role in election security, including escorting electoral materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms. The directive, announced by Force Public Relations Officer Ani Iniedu on behalf of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, also warned political parties, candidates, and supporters against engaging, arming, or deploying such groups for election-related purposes, with violators facing arrest and prosecution. The police emphasized that election security would be handled exclusively by constitutionally recognized agencies, including the Nigeria — Nigeria Police Force, United States — United States Department of State, Nigeria — Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria — Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria — Nigeria Correctional Service, and Nigeria — Federal Road Safety Corps. The Force also warned against electoral offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, and thuggery, and prohibited firearms and dangerous weapons around polling units and collation centres. The directive comes amid heightened political tension and reports of violence in the state.