Election security has been strengthened in Osun State as the Nigeria Police Force deploys 15,000 personnel, supported by senior officers and tactical units, to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship poll on August 15.
OSOGBO, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force has announced the deployment of 15,000 personnel to provide security during the August 15 Osun State governorship election, as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free poll.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Mr. Samuel Etaifo, disclosed this on Wednesday during a news conference in Osogbo.
Etaifo said a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) and an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) responsible for election operations would also be deployed to the state to supervise security arrangements.
He explained that he arrived in Osun two weeks ahead of the election following his deployment by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to help ease political tensions and coordinate pre-election security operations.
According to him, the Inspector-General had earlier visited the state to assess the security situation and observed rising political tension ahead of the poll.
“The Inspector-General subsequently directed my deployment to the state to help douse the tension and prepare the ground for a peaceful election,” Etaifo said.
He disclosed that the Inspector-General also deployed 16 units of the Mobile Police Force to strengthen security across the state.
“We are to clear and prepare the ground for a peaceful, tension-free and successful election.
“We are also to assure the people of the state of their security and boost their confidence in the ability of the police ahead of the election,” he added.
The police commissioner warned that anyone found violating the Electoral Act or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the election would be arrested, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
He further stated that offenders would be transferred to Abuja for prosecution in accordance with the law.
Etaifo expressed confidence that the security measures already put in place, combined with ongoing operations in the state, would guarantee a peaceful and successful governorship election. He appealed to residents, political parties and other stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies and conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.
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