Police Bans Amotekun, Other Non-State Actors from Osun Election Security

The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Amotekun Corps and other non-state security groups from participating in security operations for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The Force also announced a movement restriction across the state from midnight on Friday, August 14, until 6pm on Saturday, August 15, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, said only security agencies established and recognised by the Constitution and laws of Nigeria were authorised to perform security and law-enforcement duties during the election.

The police warned non-state security groups, vigilantes and other unauthorised bodies against assuming functions reserved for recognised security agencies.

“The Force emphasises that only security agencies recognised and established under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are authorised to perform security and law-enforcement duties alongside the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the election,” Iniedu said.

The police specifically directed Amotekun and other non-state actors to stay away from election-related security operations and avoid activities capable of intimidating voters, disrupting the electoral process or threatening public peace.

The movement restriction, which begins at **12:00 midnight on Friday, August 14**, will remain in force until **6:00pm on Saturday, August 15**.

The Force said only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities would be allowed to move during the restriction.

It urged residents to comply with the directive and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state to maintain order during the poll.

Political parties, candidates and their supporters were also advised to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, with the police warning against actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting voting.

The Force said the measures were part of its broader security arrangements to protect voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders while providing a level playing field for all political actors.

It further called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding and report suspicious or unlawful activities to constitutionally recognised security agencies.

The police reiterated that maintaining security during the election was a collective responsibility and urged all stakeholders to support efforts to ensure a peaceful electoral process.