The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, local vigilantes, and other unauthorized security outfits from participating in the upcoming 2026 Osun State governorship election. The decisive move aims to streamline security operations and ensure a seamless, violence-free electoral process across the state.

The directive was officially announced by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone XI. The order was conveyed to journalists on Wednesday through a statement signed by the zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju, underscoring the federal government`s stance on election security.

According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force will work exclusively with constitutionally recognized statutory security agencies to maintain law and order. The command emphasized that no parallel security structures would be permitted to operate near polling units or collation centers before, during, and after the governorship polls.

The police high command explicitly stated that the provision of security remains the sole responsibility of conventional federal forces. This collaborative network will oversee crowd control, border surveillance, and the general protection of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials throughout the state.

To prevent impersonation and maintain accountability, the AIG ordered that all personnel deployed for election duties must be properly documented. Every authorized officer must wear their approved official uniforms with visible identification tags at all times during the deployment.

The statement strictly warned quasi-security bodies, neighborhood watch organizations, and political security guards to stay away from the electoral process. The police reiterated that these groups have no legal backing to perform security functions, manage crowds, or interfere with voters.

The zonal command issued a stern warning to individuals or groups intending to violate the directive or intimidate voters and electoral officials. The police declared that anyone found carrying out unauthorized security duties would face immediate arrest and severe legal consequences.

Finally, the police appealed to political parties, candidates, and residents of Osun State to remain law-abiding and report suspicious movements to authorized forces. The command reaffirmed its total commitment to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise without fear.