The Nigeria Police Force has barred Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other community-based security outfits from participating in security operations during Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
The directive prohibits the groups from escorting election materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints or carrying arms as part of election security, with the police warning that anyone who deploys or sponsors unauthorised security outfits for the poll will be arrested and prosecuted.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, as security agencies intensify preparations for the 15 August 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, including escorting materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms,” the statement read.
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The police said only authorised security agencies would participate in the joint election security operation across the state’s 30 local government areas.
According to the statement, the authorised agencies are the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps.
It added that the deployment will cover polling units and collation centres, as well as the movement and protection of electoral materials, election officials, voters, observers and journalists.
No to unofficial security outfits
The police specifically warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against engaging, arming or deploying unofficial security outfits during the election.
“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 statement added.
The directive comes amid heightened tension in Osun State ahead of the election, with the state recording a series of killings, shootings and clashes involving political supporters and other groups during the build-up to the poll.
The police said the restrictions were intended to ensure that election security remains under the control of recognised security agencies and prevent individuals or groups from taking the law into their own hands.
Warnings
It also warned that firearms and other dangerous weapons would not be allowed around polling units and collation centres, except where they are lawfully carried by accredited security personnel deployed for election duties.
It said ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, clashes between rival supporters, thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of electoral materials, hate speech and incitement to violence would not be tolerated.
The police said perpetrators and sponsors of such offences would be arrested and prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation or status.
The IGP consequently directed officers and commanders deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while respecting human rights and the rule of law.
The Force also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists and accredited election observers to report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
It assured residents and other stakeholders that security agencies would provide a safe environment for voters to exercise their franchise without intimidation.