Police Ban Politicians From Taking Escorts to Osun Polling Units

(Nigeria Police. Photo Credit; The News Chronicle)

The Nigeria Police Force barred politicians, VIPs and political figures from taking armed escorts, security aides or unauthorised persons to polling units and collation centres during Saturday's Osun State governorship election.

The directive forms part of security measures being implemented by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process across the state.

The IGP deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ishyaku Mohammed to Osun State to coordinate security operations for the August 15 governorship election.

DIG Mohammed will coordinate the police component of the election security arrangement and work closely with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

He will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police strategically deployed across the state's three senatorial districts to supervise operations, strengthen intelligence-led policing and ensure prompt responses to emerging threats.

Adequate security arrangements have been put in place to protect voters, INEC personnel, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and media practitioners before, during and after the election.

The IGP warned political actors, their supporters and intending troublemakers that ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery and other electoral offences would attract prompt arrest and prosecution.

The Force reiterated that armed escorts, security aides and unauthorised persons accompanying politicians or VIPs to polling units or collation centres would not be permitted on election day.

State-established security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations are barred from participating in election security duties, in line with established police directives.

The police urged eligible voters in Osun State to exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear, assuring residents and visitors of adequate security throughout the election period.

The Force reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights and protection of the electoral process.