Police mobilise 15,000 personnel for Osun governorship election

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Nigeria Police Force says it will deploy about 15,000 personnel to Osun State for the August 15 governorship election, assuring residents of adequate security to ensure a peaceful, free and credible poll.

The commissioner of police in charge of election security in the state, Samuel Etaifo Erale, disclosed this on Wednesday. He said the deployment would include commissioners of police, assistant inspectors-general of police, Police Mobile Force operatives and other specialised units.

Erale said the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had mandated him to coordinate security arrangements, restore public confidence and ensure a conducive atmosphere for the election. He assured residents and political stakeholders that the police would remain neutral and professional.

According to him, the early deployment of personnel is intended to reassure residents and encourage voter turnout by eliminating fear and intimidation.

“We cannot have a hostile atmosphere and expect to conduct a free and fair election. The early arrival of police personnel is to boost the confidence of the people of Osun State and discourage voter apathy. We want every eligible voter to believe that they can come out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear,” he said.

The election security chief said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would provide security for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), election materials, voters and other stakeholders before, during and after the poll.

Erale warned politicians and their supporters against vote-buying, ballot snatching, violence, intimidation and all other forms of electoral malpractice, assuring that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation or social status.

He also cautioned police officers against compromise or collusion with politicians, warning that any officer found engaging in misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary sanctions.