The Nigeria Police Force has stepped up security preparations for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, deploying helicopters, drones, Mobile Police Force personnel and other operatives across the state.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Okokon Iniedu, disclosed this on Friday at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, saying the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had directed officers to ensure a peaceful and credible election while protecting lives and property.
The police also warned against vote-buying, describing it as an electoral offence that would attract immediate action.
According to Iniedu, aerial surveillance is already underway, with helicopter and drone units monitoring different parts of the state. Police personnel have also been deployed to polling units, INEC offices and other strategic locations.
The police said one unit of the Police Mobile Force would cover each local government area, while two combat-ready MOPOL units would be assigned to INEC-related duties. Seven Special Protection Unit formations would also handle the movement of electoral materials and protect election officials.
Iniedu said four unarmed security personnel would be stationed at each polling unit across the state. With more than 3,700 polling units, the arrangement is expected to provide a significant security presence throughout the voting process.
The police have also conducted security threat assessments across all 30 local government areas and deployed personnel according to the level of risk identified in each location. Covert operatives have equally been deployed to gather intelligence and respond to emerging threats.
“We also have covert operatives in mufti moving around the cities… to ensure adequate information and intelligence for necessary action.”
The FPRO further announced that vehicular movement would be restricted across Osun from midnight on Friday as part of the security arrangements for the election.
“By 12 midnight on Friday into Saturday, we will be locking down the town. We will be stopping vehicular movement at all locations in the state.”
On recent security concerns, Iniedu said there had been no fresh reports of killings, although the command had previously received reports of cult clashes and incidents allegedly linked to political violence. He said some cases were still under investigation, while others had already been taken to court.
The police urged residents to remain peaceful and assured voters, INEC officials and other election personnel that security agencies would remain neutral throughout the electoral process.
Source: Nigeria Police Force; statement by Force Public Relations Officer Okokon Iniedu.
