The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ishyaku Mohammed to coordinate security operations for the August 25 Osun State governorship election.
The deployment was approved by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, as part of measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, announced the decision in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
DIG Mohammed to Oversee Election Security Framework
According to the police, DIG Mohammed will lead the police component of the election security arrangement and collaborate with other security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
He will be supported by senior police officers, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police deployed across Osun’s three senatorial districts.
The officers are expected to supervise field operations, strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure quick responses to possible security threats before, during and after the election.
Police Outline Election Protection Measures
IGP Disu said the police had developed security arrangements to protect voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and journalists covering the election.
He assured residents and visitors in Osun State that adequate security personnel would be deployed throughout the electoral period.
The police chief urged eligible voters to participate in the election peacefully and without fear.
Warning Against Electoral Violence
Disu warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against engaging in activities capable of disrupting the election.
He specifically cautioned against ballot box theft, voter intimidation, political violence and other electoral offences.
The IGP said anyone found violating electoral laws would face arrest and prosecution.
Restrictions on Unauthorised Security Presence
The police also reaffirmed restrictions preventing political figures and VIPs from taking armed escorts, security aides or unauthorised personnel to polling stations and collation centres on election day.
The force stated that state-controlled security groups, quasi-security organisations and private security companies would not be permitted to participate in election security duties.
Disu said the police remained committed to maintaining neutrality, professionalism and respect for human rights throughout the electoral process.
He assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force would continue working with relevant stakeholders to safeguard democracy and protect citizens during the Osun governorship election.
