Osun: Police Announce Movement Restriction, Ban Amotekun, Others From Polling Units

The Nigeria Police Force has announced a restriction of movement across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, while directing Amotekun and other non-state security groups to stay away from election-related operations.

The restriction will take effect from 12:00 midnight on Friday, August 14, 2026, and remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the directive in a statement issued on Friday.

The police urged residents, motorists and other members of the public to comply fully with the restriction and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state.

According to the statement, only individuals and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities will be allowed during the restricted period.

The police said the measure was part of the security arrangements for the governorship election, which will see voters across Osun State elect a governor for the next four years.

The Force PRO also reiterated an earlier directive prohibiting Amotekun and other non-state security actors from participating in election-related security operations.

The police stressed that only security agencies recognised and established under the Constitution and laws of Nigeria are authorised to perform security and law-enforcement duties in connection with the election alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

The directive specifically applies to non-state security groups, vigilante organisations and other unauthorised bodies seeking to participate in election security activities.

The police warned such groups against assuming or exercising the responsibilities of recognised security agencies.

“Such groups are directed to stay away from election-related security operations and refrain from any activity capable of intimidating voters, disrupting the electoral process or undermining public peace and security,” the statement said.

The Force urged all stakeholders to respect the security arrangements and avoid actions capable of creating tension or disrupting the electoral process.

The movement restriction is expected to remain in effect throughout the voting period, with security personnel deployed across the state to enforce the directive.

The police also appealed to residents to cooperate with officers and other authorised security agencies as they work to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.

The directive comes as political parties, candidates, election officials and security agencies intensify preparations for the closely watched Osun governorship poll.