By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Nigeria Police Force has warned that it will not tolerate offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, and clashes between rival supporters during the Osun state governorship election scheduled for Saturday.

The Police gave the warning while announcing security arrangement for the election in a statement issued by CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer on Wednesday.

In the statement, police vowed to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor regardless of political affiliation or status.

“Anyone who attempts to disrupt the process through violence, intimidation, or thuggery will face the full weight of the law”, police said in the statement while warning that political parties, candidates, supporters, and the public must be peaceful during the election.

Also, police, in the statement, ordered 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 to keep off the election.

It warned that such outfits have no role in election security, including escorting materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms.

“The NPF urges full compliance in the interest of peace.”

The statement listed authorized agencies empowered to carry out election duties to include Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other statutory bodies working together.

“This joint security deployment covers all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, securing polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists, and voters.

“Political parties, candidates, and the public are warned against engaging, arming, or deploying any non-state security outfit for election-related purposes. Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law.

The Force also warned that firearms, dangerous weapons, and offensive materials are strictly prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.

It added that anyone found culpable of electoral offences, including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech, or incitement to violence, will be arrested and charged to court.

“The Force has directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to act professionally, impartially, and firmly, in line with the rule of law and respect for human rights. The public, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and accredited observers are urged to report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels—if you see something, say something.

“The Nigeria Police Force assures the people of Osun State, INEC, political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders of its commitment to a secure and peaceful environment where every eligible voter can freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation. The Police remain neutral, professional, and resolute, and will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election,” the statement concluded.

C