Osun 2026: Police Chief sends DIG to manage security for elections

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has sent Ishyaku Mohammed, a deputy inspector-general of police, to oversee security for the Osun governorship election on 15 August.

This information came out in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, from the Force Public Relations Officer, Anitie Iniedu.

Mr Disu explained that this move is part of the Nigeria Police Force's plan to ensure a peaceful and credible election in Osun State.

“The DIG will manage the police efforts in the election-security setup and will collaborate closely with other security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security,” he said.

“He will have support from Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police placed in key areas across the three senatorial districts of the state.

“These senior officers will oversee operations, boost intelligence-led policing, and ensure quick action against any threats,” he added.

The IGP assured that the police have made proper security plans to protect voters, INEC staff, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers, and journalists before, during, and after the election.

He warned politicians, their supporters, and anyone planning to cause trouble that ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery, and other electoral crimes will lead to immediate arrest and prosecution.

He also reiterated the ban on armed escorts, security aides, and other unauthorized people accompanying political figures or VIPs at polling units or collation centres on election day.

“State-run security outfits, quasi-security groups, and private security firms are also not allowed to handle election-security duties, in line with the Nigeria Police Force's election-security guidelines,” he said.

Disu promised that the Nigeria Police Force will ensure proper security for residents, voters, and visitors in Osun ahead of the election.

He encouraged eligible citizens to vote peacefully and without fear, saying that the force is committed to professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights, and protecting the electoral process.

On 31 July, the IGP appointed a new Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, to oversee Saturday’s election after calls to remove CP Ibrahim Gotan due to claims of bias and poor management of election-related security.