The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations during the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The directive, coming ahead of the highly anticipated poll, is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, credible and orderly electoral process by restricting security responsibilities to constitutionally recognised security agencies.

Other groups affected by the directive include the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security organisations and neighbourhood watch outfits. They are prohibited from carrying out security functions at polling units and other election-related locations.

The police said only authorised security agencies would be permitted to perform security duties during the election, stressing that no unauthorised group or individual would be allowed to interfere with the electoral process.

The Force has also warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of disrupting the election. Ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, violent clashes and other forms of electoral malpractice, according to the police, will not be tolerated.

The police urged residents of Osun State to remain calm and law-abiding before, during and after the election, assuring citizens that security personnel would be deployed across the state to protect voters, election officials and electoral materials.

The development comes as political parties intensify their final mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship poll, with the police reiterating its commitment to preventing violence and ensuring that voters are able to exercise their franchise without intimidation.

The security agency further warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process would face the full force of the law.