The Nigeria Police Fozarce has announced the deployment of about 15,000 officers and personnel for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State as part of efforts to maintain law and order before, during and after the poll.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Osogbo by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo, during a meeting with officers assigned to the operation.
Etaifo said the security arrangement would involve conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force personnel, specialists, members of the dog section and medical teams. He also disclosed that a Deputy Inspector General of Police and an Assistant Inspector General of Police would supervise the security operation to ensure proper coordination throughout the election period.
According to him, his deployment to Osun came earlier than planned because of the security concerns that had developed in the state. He explained that although senior officers usually arrive only a few days before an election, the Inspector General of Police directed him to report ahead of time due to the rising tension surrounding the governorship contest.
The police commissioner also revealed that additional security personnel had already been sent to the state following reports of violence in some areas. He urged all officers taking part in the election duty to carry out their responsibilities professionally, remain neutral and operate within the provisions of the law.
Etaifo warned that anyone found attempting to disrupt the election or violate electoral laws would face legal action, regardless of status or political affiliation. He said the police would not tolerate acts capable of affecting the credibility and peaceful conduct of the exercise.
He further disclosed that anyone arrested for election-related offences during or after the poll would be transferred to Abuja for further investigation and possible prosecution. He explained that the directive reflects the national importance attached to the governorship election and the determination of the authorities to deal firmly with offenders.
Osun voters are expected to elect a new governor on August 15, with 14 candidates contesting the election, including the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office.
The police said all security arrangements have been put in place to provide a peaceful environment for voters, election officials and other stakeholders throughout the electoral process.