Osun Election: Police Mobilise 15,000 Officers To Secure Polls

According to Ireporter Online, the police have warned politicians, electoral officials and security operatives against any attempt to interfere with the electoral process, stressing that anyone arrested for serious electoral offences would be transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police responsible for election security in Osun State, Samuel Erale Etaifo, disclosed this on Wednesday in Osogbo during a meeting with journalists and senior police officers at the Police Officers’ Mess.

Etaifo stated that the security arrangement would involve Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, personnel from the Police Mobile Force and other specialised units of the force.

He explained that the deployment was designed to safeguard residents, maintain peace and ensure a smooth electoral process before, during and after the governorship election.

The police commissioner described the election as a federal security assignment and assured residents that all necessary measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful exercise.

He warned that individuals involved in vote buying, ballot box theft, voter intimidation, political violence or other forms of electoral misconduct would be arrested and prosecuted.

Etaifo added that the warning applies to political parties, candidates, security personnel and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He revealed that he was appointed by the Inspector-General of Police to coordinate security operations across Osun State ahead of the election and had already engaged Governor Ademola Adeleke on the security plans.

The police official said the early deployment of officers was aimed at boosting public confidence and encouraging eligible voters to participate without fear.

He further assured political parties and candidates that the police would remain neutral and provide equal protection for all participants throughout the election period.

Etaifo also directed officers deployed for the exercise to maintain professionalism, warning that any personnel found collaborating with politicians or compromising their duties would face disciplinary action.

He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, follow lawful instructions and report suspicious activities that could threaten the peace of the state.

The police commissioner assured that the security arrangements were fully prepared to support a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.