The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations during the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
The directive covers Amotekun, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other unauthorised security formations.
According to the police, the affected groups are not permitted to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or carry arms for election-related activities.
The Force also warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against engaging, sponsoring or deploying unauthorised security groups during the election, stressing that anyone found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted.
The police said election security would be handled by constitutionally recognised security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and other statutory security organisations.
The warning comes ahead of the Osun governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, with the police urging political actors and residents to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
