Osun Election: Police Ban Amotekun, Vigilantes As Thugs, Vote-Buyers Face Arrest

According to Ireporter Online, the police also prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters and other non-state security organisations from taking part in election security operations.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ahead of the August 15 poll.

The police said anyone found attempting to disrupt the electoral process would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or social status.

The Force identified ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between supporters of rival political parties as offences that would not be tolerated during the election.

It further warned that individuals involved in electoral violence, as well as those sponsoring such activities, would face legal action.

The police also prohibited the possession of firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials around polling units and collation centres, except where such items are lawfully carried by accredited security personnel performing official election duties.

According to the Force, anyone involved in thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech or incitement to violence would be arrested and prosecuted.

The police maintained that the responsibility for securing the election rests with constitutionally recognised security agencies. Consequently, Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, the Civilian Joint Task Force, neighbourhood watch groups and other quasi-security formations have been barred from election-related security activities.

The affected groups are prohibited from escorting electoral materials, guarding polling units, establishing checkpoints or carrying weapons in connection with the election.

Political parties and candidates were also warned against recruiting, arming or deploying unauthorised security outfits during the electoral process.

The Force disclosed that security personnel would be deployed across all 30 local government areas of Osun State to ensure the smooth conduct of the election.

The deployment will include personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps.

The joint security operation will cover polling units, collation centres and the movement of electoral materials, while also protecting voters, election officials, journalists and accredited observers.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while respecting the rule of law and human rights.

The police also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, journalists, election observers and members of the public to report suspicious activities or movements to the appropriate security authorities.

The Force assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to enable eligible voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.