The Nigeria Police Force has announced a restriction of movement across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, warning residents and other road users to comply with the order during the voting period.
The movement restriction will begin at 12:00 midnight on Friday, August 14, 2026, and end at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, the police said.
The police also reiterated its ban on the participation of Amotekun and other non-state security groups in election-related security operations during the poll.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, announced the measures in a statement issued on Friday.
According to him, the restriction was part of the security arrangements put in place to ensure a peaceful and orderly election across the state.
The police urged residents to cooperate with security personnel deployed to different parts of Osun and obey the movement restriction throughout the period.
The statement said only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities would be allowed to move during the restriction.
“Only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities will be permitted during the period,” the police said.
The restriction means that residents are expected to remain within their areas and avoid unnecessary movement while voting and other election activities take place on Saturday.
The police are expected to deploy personnel across the state to enforce the order, protect voters and electoral officials, and prevent activities that could threaten public safety.
The Force PRO also restated the earlier directive stopping Amotekun and other non-state security actors from taking part in security operations connected with the election.
Amotekun, the Western Nigeria Security Network, operates across the South-West states as a regional security outfit. Its members have been involved in community security, crime prevention and intelligence gathering in their respective states.
However, the police said only security agencies established and recognised by the Nigerian Constitution and other relevant laws are authorised to carry out security and law-enforcement duties during the election.
The police specifically warned vigilante groups, non-state security organisations and other unauthorised bodies against attempting to perform the duties of recognised security agencies.
“No non-state security group, vigilante organisation or other unauthorised body is permitted to assume or exercise the functions of a recognised security agency,” the statement said.
The police further directed such groups to stay away from election-related security activities.
It warned that they must not engage in any action capable of intimidating voters, disrupting the electoral process or threatening peace and security.
The latest directive comes as Osun prepares for a keenly contested governorship election involving the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party and his major challengers.
Security has remained a major issue in preparations for the election, with authorities repeatedly stressing the need to prevent violence, voter intimidation and other acts that could affect the credibility of the poll.
The police have also been involved in meetings with other security agencies and stakeholders as part of efforts to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without fear.
The restriction of movement is a common security measure during major elections in Nigeria. It is usually intended to limit the movement of people who may seek to cause trouble, transport weapons or interfere with the voting process.
However, essential services and other approved categories are normally exempted, subject to the directives of the authorities.
The police urged residents to understand that the restrictions were temporary and connected to the conduct of the election.
It also appealed to voters, political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain peace and respect the rules guiding the election.
The force said its personnel would remain professional in carrying out their duties and would work to protect lives and property throughout the voting period.
The warning on non-state security groups is particularly significant given the presence of community-based security outfits in several parts of the country.
While such groups have played roles in supporting local security efforts, the police maintained that election security must remain under the control of legally recognised security agencies.
The police therefore called on all groups and individuals to stay within the limits of the law during the election.
It warned that anyone who attempted to disrupt voting, intimidate voters or create a security threat could face action by the appropriate authorities.
With the movement restriction taking effect at midnight, residents across Osun State are expected to plan their activities accordingly and remain in compliance until the order is lifted at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The police again appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with security personnel and contribute to a peaceful election.
The force said the success of the election would depend not only on the security agencies but also on the willingness of voters, political actors and other stakeholders to respect the rules and allow the democratic process to take place without violence or intimidation.