The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has prohibited Amotekun, vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, neighbourhood watch outfits and other community-based security groups from taking part in security operations during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Police said the non-state and quasi-security groups have no role in election security.
The Force explained that the affected groups are not authorised to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or carry arms in connection with the election.
The Police urged all concerned to obey the directive in the interest of peace and warned political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public against violence, intimidation and thuggery.
It stated that offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters would not be tolerated.
According to the statement, anyone involved in such offences, whether as a perpetrator or sponsor, will be arrested and prosecuted regardless of political affiliation or social 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) as the agencies authorised to provide election security.
It added that the joint deployment would cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, including polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, observers, journalists and voters.
The Force also warned against engaging, arming or deploying any unauthorised security outfit for election-related activities, stressing that members and sponsors of such groups would be arrested and dealt with according to the law.
The Police further reminded the public that firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials are prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
The IGP directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to operate professionally, impartially and firmly, while respecting the rule of law and human rights.
The Force called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and accredited observers to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency or designated emergency channels.
It assured residents of Osun State, INEC, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing a safe environment for eligible voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation, adding that it would remain neutral and would not allow any group to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the governorship election.
