The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, vigilante groups, Joint Civilian Task Force, CJTF, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch outfits from participating in security operations during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The Police said the non-state and quasi-security formations had no role in election security, including escorting electoral materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints or bearing arms.
The Force, in a statement issued by its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urged all concerned to comply with the directive in the interest of peace.
The Police warned political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public against violence, intimidation and thuggery during the election.
It said recurring electoral offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters would not be tolerated.
According to the Force, anyone involved in such offences, either as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, would be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of political affiliation or status.
The Police identified the NPF, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, among the authorised agencies for election security.
It said the joint deployment would cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, including polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists and voters.
The Force also warned political parties, candidates and the public against engaging, arming or deploying any unauthorised security outfit for election-related activities.
“Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” it said.
The Police further reiterated that firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials were prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
It said persons found involved in thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech or incitement to violence would be arrested and charged to court.
The IGP directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to operate professionally, impartially and firmly, in line with the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The Force also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and accredited observers to report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels.
The Police assured residents of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
The Force said it would remain neutral, professional and resolute and would not allow any individual or group to undermine the peaceful conduct of the governorship election.
