Movement into and out of Osun State will be restricted from midnight on Friday as security agencies intensify preparations for Saturday’s governorship election. The Nigeria Police Force said the restriction will affect major entry and exit routes into the state, with the Nigerian Army expected to secure border points to prevent the movement of suspected troublemakers during the electionS

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The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed the arrangement in Osogbo on Thursday, explaining that only security personnel, essential service providers and eligible voters travelling to exercise their civic rights would be allowed to move during the restriction period. He said more than 15,000 police officers had been deployed across the state, while about 30 Commissioners of Police had been assigned to oversee security in each of the 30 local government areas under the supervision of a Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

The police also announced the deployment of armed Mobile Police Force units, with about 60 officers assigned to each local government area and additional units stationed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Osogbo. A helicopter and drone team have also been deployed for aerial surveillance before, during and after the election.

Residents were warned against electoral offences, including vote buying, ballot-box snatching, intimidation and other forms of electoral violence, while parents were urged to discourage their children from engaging in unlawful activities. The police added that a mobile court would be available to prosecute electoral offenders arrested during the governorship poll.