Police deploy 15,000 Personnel DIG, AIGs, CPs for Osun Aug. 15 Governorship election

The Nigeria Police Force has warned politicians, security personnel and electoral officials against any attempt to compromise the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, declaring that suspects arrested for serious electoral offences will be transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Osun State, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, issued the warning on Wednesday while addressing journalists and Divisional Police Officers at the Police Officers’ Mess in Osogbo.

Etaifo disclosed that about 15,000 police personnel, including Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives and other specialised units, would be deployed to provide security before, during and after the election.

Describing the governorship poll as a federal electoral assignment, he said suspects arrested for electoral offences would be moved out of Osun State to prevent interference with investigations and prosecution.

“This governorship election is a federal election. Anyone arrested for electoral offences will be taken out of Osun State to the Force Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution. There will be no room for interference,” he said.

The police commissioner also warned politicians, electoral officials and security operatives against manipulating the electoral process, stressing that the Force would not tolerate vote buying, ballot snatching, violence, voter intimidation or any other form of electoral malpractice.

“I want to warn all political actors, security personnel and even INEC officials not to manipulate the election. Anyone found violating the Electoral Act or attempting to undermine the credibility of the process will be held accountable,” he stated.

Etaifo said he was mandated by the Inspector-General of Police to coordinate security operations across Osun State and ensure a peaceful election.

He disclosed that he had already met Governor Ademola Adeleke to brief him on the security arrangements and reassure the state government of the police’s commitment to conducting a peaceful poll.

According to him, the early deployment of security personnel is aimed at boosting public confidence and encouraging voter participation by preventing intimidation and violence.

“We cannot have a hostile atmosphere and expect to conduct a free and fair election. The early arrival of police personnel is to boost the confidence of the people of Osun State and discourage voter apathy,” he said.

Etaifo assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force would remain neutral throughout the election, promising equal treatment for all political parties and candidates.

“Our duty is to guarantee a level playing field for every political actor. Gone are the days when the police were alleged to be partisan. Every political party must have equal opportunity to campaign and participate in the election without intimidation or harassment,” he added.

He also cautioned officers deployed for election duties against compromising their responsibilities or colluding with politicians, warning that any erring personnel would face disciplinary action.

The police commissioner urged residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities, assuring that comprehensive security measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful, free and credible governorship election.

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