The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, and neighbourhood watch outfits from participating in security operations during Osun State’s governorship election on August 15, 2026.
CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated that non-state and quasi-security formations had no part in election security, such as escorting electoral materials, protecting polling stations, setting up checkpoints, or carrying weaponry.
The police also urged everyone involved to follow the directive in the interests of peace, warning political parties, candidates, supporters, and members of the public to avoid violence, intimidation, and thuggery during the election.