The Nigeria Police Force has deployed no fewer than 15,000 personnel to Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
It pledged to ensure a peaceful, free and credible electoral process amid rising political tension and reports of violence.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, disclosed the massive deployment on Wednesday while addressing officers at the Police Officers’ Mess in Osogbo.
Etaifo said the security operation would comprise conventional police officers, specialists, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), K-9 units, medical personnel and other tactical teams.
He added that a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) and an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) would also oversee the election security architecture.
The election security chief revealed that the Inspector-General of Police ordered his early deployment to Osun following escalating political tension, violent attacks and reported killings in parts of the state.
According to him, the decision underscores the police leadership’s determination to prevent a breakdown of law and order before, during and after the governorship election.
Etaifo also issued a stern warning to political actors and their supporters, declaring that anyone arrested for violating electoral laws would be transferred to Abuja for prosecution.
“Anybody arrested during the election for electoral offences will be taken to Abuja. That is the directive. This election is a federal government election, and anyone who violates the law will face the consequences,” he said.
He assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force would remain neutral and professional throughout the exercise, insisting that security personnel would provide a level play field for all political parties and guarantee the safety of voters.
During a separate visit to the Osun State Government House, Etaifo reiterated to Governor Ademola Adeleke that he had been specifically mandated by the Inspector-General of Police to coordinate all security arrangements and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the election.
He pledged that officers under his command would discharge their duties with professionalism and impartiality to safeguard the credibility of the poll.
Responding, Governor Adeleke commended the Inspector-General of Police for responding to the state’s concerns by redeploying a new election commissioner of police following allegations of partisanship against the former police chief.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a peaceful electoral process, stressing that free and fair elections remained the cornerstone of democracy.
He expressed confidence that the newly deployed police commissioner would work closely with other security agencies to protect lives and property and guarantee a secure environment as Osun enters the final countdown to the governorship election.
