The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, has declared that the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other quasi-security organisations will not participate in security operations during the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Tunji, the police said only the Nigeria Police Force and other constitutionally recognised security agencies would provide security before, during and after the governorship election.
The command ordered that all personnel deployed for election duties must be properly identified and wear their approved official uniforms, warning that anyone engaging in unauthorised security activities or attempting to intimidate voters, electoral officials or other stakeholders would face the law.
“The Assistant Inspector General of Police wishes to emphasise that only constitutionally recognized security agencies are authorized to participate in election security operations. Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits, political organizations, neighbourhood watch groups, or any other unauthorized bodies are not eligible to perform security functions, provide crowd control, or interfere with the electoral process,” the statement read.
The police urged political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It also assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election across the state.
The command warned that anyone found violating the Electoral Act or other extant laws during the election would be arrested and prosecuted.
It added that the security measures were aimed at ensuring eligible voters can exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.
