Key points
- Police will deploy 15,000 personnel for the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election.
- A DIG and an AIG will supervise election security operations in the state.
- Police warn electoral offenders will be arrested and prosecuted regardless of political affiliation.
Main story
The Nigeria Police Force says it will deploy 15,000 personnel to provide security for the Aug. 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Mr Samuel Etaifo, disclosed this on Wednesday at a news conference in Osogbo, saying a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) and an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) would also oversee election security operations.
Etaifo said he was deployed to Osun two weeks before the election after the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, assessed the state’s security situation and observed rising political tension.
He said the Inspector-General subsequently deployed 16 units of the Mobile Police Force to restore calm and create a peaceful environment ahead of the poll.
According to Etaifo, the police have been mandated to reassure residents, maintain law and order and strengthen public confidence before election day.
He warned that anyone found violating electoral laws, irrespective of political status or party affiliation, would be arrested and transferred to Abuja for prosecution.
Etaifo expressed confidence that the security arrangements already in place, combined with measures implemented over recent months, would ensure a peaceful and credible election.
He also appealed to residents, political parties and other stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies to support a violence-free electoral process.
The issues
Security remains a critical factor in Nigeria’s off-cycle governorship elections. Early deployment of personnel and senior police officers is aimed at preventing political violence, reassuring voters and ensuring compliance with electoral laws.
What’s being said
“We are to clear and prepare the ground for a peaceful, tension-free and successful election. We are also to assure the people of the state of their security and boost their confidence in the ability of the police ahead of the election.” — Mr Samuel Etaifo, Commissioner of Police for the Osun governorship election.
“Anyone who violates the electoral law, irrespective of status or political party affiliation, will be arrested and taken to Abuja for prosecution.” — Mr Samuel Etaifo.
What’s next
Police will continue pre-election security operations before deploying 15,000 personnel across the state on election day under the supervision of senior police officers.
Bottom line
The Nigeria Police Force says it has put extensive security measures in place to ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible governorship election in Osun State.
