The Nigeria Police Force has deployed more than 15,000 officers across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with a Deputy Inspector-General of Police coordinating the security operation.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed the deployment while briefing journalists in Osogbo.
He said 30 Commissioners of Police would oversee operations, with one assigned to each of the state’s 30 local government areas.
“We have deployed armed mobile policemen to every local government area in the state.
"So, we have 30 units across 30 local government areas,” Iniedu said.
“There is a Commissioner of Police in each Local Government Area,” he added, explaining that each area would also have a Deputy Commissioner of Police and senior Mobile Police commanders.
The police have also deployed a helicopter and drone unit for surveillance.
Iniedu said the equipment would conduct “area surveillance from now, during and immediately after the elections.”
The Army is expected to close border roads leading into Osun from midnight Saturday, with movement restricted to people on essential duties, security personnel and voters.
“We will be locking down the state,” Iniedu said.
The police said they have also recovered about 34 illegal firearms in the state as part of preparations for the poll.
A mobile court will be available to try people arrested for electoral offences.
The security buildup comes amid concerns over political violence.
Yiaga Africa identified 13 of Osun’s 30 local government areas as high-risk areas, reporting about 44 violent incidents and 34 deaths linked to political violence between June 2025 and June 2026.
The contest features incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam among the leading contenders.
Comments
Add a comment