Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Police Force has delivered a sweeping directive that has sent shockwaves through Osun State just days before its crucial governorship election, barring the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, along with vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, neighbourhood watch outfits and all other non-state security formations from participating in any security operations related to Saturday's poll. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, through Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu, declared in a statement on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that these groups have no role in election security, including escorting electoral materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms. The police further warned that any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits would be arrested and prosecuted.
The directive, which was contained in a press release dated August 11, 2026, applies to the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters' associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and all other non-state or quasi-security formations. The police said election security was the sole responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies, listing the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as the only authorised bodies. The joint security deployment, according to the Force, would cover all 30 local government areas of Osun State and secure polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists and voters.
The police also issued a broader warning to political parties, candidates and their supporters against engaging, arming or deploying non-state security outfits for election-related purposes. The Force specifically cited ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters as recurring electoral offences that would not be tolerated. "Any person involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status," the statement read. The police also reiterated that firearms, dangerous weapons and offensive materials were strictly prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
The decision to bar Amotekun from the election comes amid heightened political tension and rising violence in Osun State. The election, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, has been marked by allegations of political killings, police harassment and intimidation of opposition supporters. Just days before the ban, the Osun State Police Command had summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi over a viral video in which he appeared to threaten the killing of Accord Party members. Governor Ademola Adeleke had demanded his arrest, saying the comments constituted a national security threat. The police have also deployed over 15,000 officers to the state to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
The ban on Amotekun is not without precedent. In July 2022, a Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo ordered the Osun Amotekun Corps to sit out the governorship election. Civil society groups like Yiaga Africa had also warned against the deployment of Amotekun personnel during elections, arguing that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead security agency, must ensure that Amotekun is not given any role in the electoral process. The decision to bar Amotekun is also consistent with the position of the Inspector-General of Police, who has repeatedly emphasised that election security is the exclusive responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies.
The timing of the ban, however, has raised questions about the neutrality and impartiality of the police. Governor Adeleke's campaign organisation, the Imole Campaign Council, had earlier accused the police of targeting its members, including the arrest of Commissioner for Environment Mayowa Adejoorin and the midnight detention of the governor's media aide, Alalade Bukola Félix. The campaign council had also petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission, demanding the removal of APC chieftains allegedly assigned to handle sensitive election materials and logistics. The ban on Amotekun, while framed as a measure to ensure professionalism and neutrality, has been viewed by some as an attempt to weaken the security apparatus of the state government.
The police have also warned political parties, candidates and members of the public against engaging, arming or deploying non-state security outfits for election-related purposes. The Force said anyone found culpable of electoral offences, including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech or incitement to violence, would be arrested and charged to court. The police also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists, election observers and members of the public to report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
The ban on Amotekun has also drawn attention to the role of the Western Nigeria Security Network, which was established by the governors of the South-West states to complement the efforts of the police and other security agencies in tackling insecurity. The network, which has been credited with reducing crime in the region, has also been accused of partisanship and abuse of power by opposition parties. The decision to bar Amotekun from the election is a clear signal that the police will not tolerate any interference in the electoral process, whether from state-backed security networks or other non-state actors.
As Osun State prepares for the governorship election, the police have assured residents and stakeholders of their commitment to a secure and peaceful environment where every eligible voter can freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation. The Force said it remains neutral, professional and resolute, and will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election. The ban on Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters and other non-state security outfits is a bold and controversial move that could shape the outcome of the election and set a precedent for future polls in Nigeria. Whether it will ensure a free, fair and credible election or deepen the already palpable tension in Osun State remains to be seen.
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