The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu on behalf of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, the police said these groups have no role in securing the election. 

Political parties, candidates and their supporters were also warned against engaging, arming or deploying them for any election-related purposes.

The election is scheduled to hold across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

According to the Force, 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 are not authorised to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or bear arms during the election.

“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 statement said.

The police emphasised that responsibility for securing the election rests exclusively with constitutionally recognised security agencies, including the 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.

The Force also warned against electoral offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, hate speech or incitement to violence, stating that perpetrators and sponsors would be arrested and prosecuted regardless of political affiliation or status. 

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