The Nigeria Police Force has announced a restriction on movement across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, while reaffirming its ban on the participation of the Amotekun Corps and other non-state security groups in election security operations.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, Friday, August 14, 2026, ahead of the poll.
According to the statement, the movement restriction will take effect from midnight on Friday, August 14, and remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.
The police said only security agencies recognised and established under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria were authorised to perform security and law enforcement duties during the election.
The Force specifically warned the Amotekun Corps, vigilante organisations and other unauthorised bodies against participating in election-related security operations.
“Such groups are directed to stay away from election-related security operations and refrain from any activity capable of intimidating voters, disrupting the electoral process or undermining public peace and security,” the police said.
The Force also stated that only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities would be allowed to move during the restriction period.
It urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, warning against actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting the electoral process.
The police further called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding, and to promptly report suspicious or unlawful activities to constitutionally and legally recognised security agencies.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout the election, assuring eligible voters and political actors of a level playing field.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold across the state on Saturday, August 15, with heightened security arrangements put in place to safeguard voters, electoral personnel and election materials.
