By Newsworld | August 5, 2026

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the deployment of about 15,000 personnel to provide security for the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, assuring residents of a peaceful, free and credible poll. The police also issued a strong warning to politicians, election officials, security operatives and other stakeholders against any attempt to manipulate or disrupt the electoral process, stating that suspects arrested for major electoral offences would be transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for investigation and prosecution.

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The announcement was made on Wednesday in Osogbo by the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Osun State, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, during a meeting with journalists and Divisional Police Officers at the Police Officers’ Mess. Etaifo disclosed that the security operation would involve Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Police Mobile Force personnel and other specialised units deployed across the state to protect lives, secure election materials and maintain public order before, during and after the poll. He explained that the governorship election is being treated as a federal election assignment, requiring enhanced security coordination.

According to the police commissioner, individuals arrested for serious electoral offences, including vote buying, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, violence and other forms of electoral malpractice, would be moved out of Osun State to Abuja to prevent interference with investigations and ensure impartial prosecution. He stressed that the warning applies equally to political parties, candidates, security personnel and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that no one would be above the law.

Etaifo said he was specifically assigned by the Inspector-General of Police to coordinate security operations across Osun State and had already met with Governor Ademola Adeleke to brief him on the security arrangements and reassure the state government of the police’s commitment to a peaceful election. He noted that the early deployment of security personnel was intended to boost public confidence, reduce voter apathy and encourage eligible voters to participate in the election without fear.

The commissioner further assured political parties that the Nigeria Police Force would remain neutral throughout the electoral process, promising equal protection and freedom for all candidates to campaign and participate without intimidation or harassment. He also directed officers assigned to election duties to conduct themselves professionally and warned that any officer found collaborating with politicians or compromising the integrity of the election would face disciplinary action. He appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies, obey the law and promptly report suspicious activities, insisting that all necessary security measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful governorship election across Osun State.