Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has directed that Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits must not participate in security operations during Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, warning that violators will face arrest and prosecution.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the police said only constitutionally recognised security agencies are authorised to provide election security.
The election is scheduled to hold on August 15 across the 30 local government areas of the state.
According to the police, the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, neighbourhood watch groups and other quasi-security organisations are not permitted to take part in election security duties.
“The Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and all other non-state or quasi-security formations have no role in election security.”
The Force said the groups are not authorised to escort electoral materials, secure polling units, mount checkpoints or carry arms during the exercise.
It warned political parties, candidates and supporters against engaging or deploying unauthorised security outfits for election-related activities.
“Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” the statement added.
The police also cautioned against acts capable of undermining the electoral process, including ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival political supporters.
“Any person involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status,” it stated.
The Force said a joint deployment involving the police, the Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and other statutory agencies would provide security across the state.
It further reiterated that firearms and other dangerous weapons would not be allowed around polling units and collation centres except when carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
The police assured residents, the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders of a secure environment for the election, stressing that voters must be able to cast their ballots freely and without intimidation.
