Osun Election: Police Explain Why Officers Deployed For Polls Have Not Been Withdrawn

The Nigeria Police Force has explained why officers deployed to Osun State for the August 15, 2026 governorship election have remained in the state weeks after the polls.

According to Ireporter Online, the Force said the continued presence of the personnel was part of an established post-election security arrangement aimed at preventing violence, responding to emerging threats and ensuring a smooth return to normal policing.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, made this known in a statement on Friday while responding to reports alleging that hundreds of officers deployed for the election had been abandoned in the state and subjected to poor welfare conditions.

Iniedu dismissed the claims, saying the officers were deliberately retained in Osun based on prevailing operational and security considerations.

He explained that the duration of the deployment would depend on security needs and the assessment of the police command.

The police spokesperson also rejected allegations that the personnel had been denied adequate food or other basic welfare provisions, insisting that all officers deployed for the election had received their approved entitlements.

He added that the relevant command structures remained responsible for the welfare of personnel throughout their assignment.

According to the Force, portraying the post-election deployment as evidence of institutional neglect was misleading and capable of negatively affecting the morale of officers as well as public confidence in the police.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of its personnel and said officers would continue to be strategically deployed whenever necessary to protect lives, property and public peace.

Iniedu also urged media organisations and other reporting platforms to verify information before publishing reports, particularly claims attributed to unnamed sources.

He warned that the publication of unverified information could mislead the public and potentially undermine ongoing security operations.