As voters across Osun State prepare to elect their next governor on Saturday, August 15, 2026, security agencies have stepped up preparations to protect lives, prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The Nigeria Police Force says it has deployed personnel, surveillance equipment and specialised units across the state, including drones and 30 units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), as part of measures to secure polling areas and respond quickly to emergencies.

The security plan was disclosed on Friday, August 14, during a press briefing at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo.

The police said the operation is being coordinated by Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of Police deployed specifically for the election.

What voters should know about the security arrangements

The police said two armed PMF units have been assigned to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to help secure electoral materials and other critical election operations.

Seven personnel from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) will also be responsible for transporting sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials and protecting electoral officers.

At the state command, two additional armed mobile force units have been placed on standby for rapid response, while armed patrol teams will operate around towns and strategic checkpoints.

The police are also working with other security agencies to protect voters, election officials, political party members and electoral materials throughout the voting process.

Vehicular movement restricted

One of the most important measures for residents is the restriction on vehicular movement.

The police announced that vehicular movement across Osun State will be restricted from midnight on Friday into Saturday.

The restriction is intended to reduce the movement of people who could be involved in violence, voter intimidation, ballot disruption and other forms of electoral malpractice.

Residents planning to vote should therefore make arrangements to reach their polling units within the permitted movement period and avoid unnecessary travel during the restriction.

Stay away from trouble at polling units

Voters are advised to remain calm and avoid arguments or confrontations at polling centres.

Do not engage anyone attempting to provoke violence, and do not take part in fights between supporters of different political parties.

If a disagreement occurs, voters should alert authorised security personnel rather than attempting to resolve the situation through violence.

The police have also warned parents and guardians not to take underage children to polling units for the purpose of voting.

Unregistered persons should equally stay away from polling units, while voters should follow the instructions of INEC officials and security personnel.

Vote buying will attract action

The police have warned that vote buying is an electoral offence and said officers will take immediate action against those involved.

Voters should therefore be cautious of anyone offering them money or other benefits in exchange for their votes.

Similarly, political actors and their supporters should avoid attempting to influence voters through threats, inducements or intimidation.

Police misconduct can be reported

The police have established a 24-hour call centre in Osun State where members of the public can report allegations of professional misconduct involving police officers and other law enforcement personnel during the election.

According to the police, complaints received through the centre will be investigated and officers found guilty of violating electoral laws or abusing their powers will face appropriate sanctions.

The arrangement is part of efforts to ensure that security personnel operate professionally and within the law.

Four police officers to be deployed to each polling unit

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said Inspector-General of Police Olagunji Disu had directed the deployment of four police officers to each polling unit across the state.

They will work alongside personnel from other security agencies assigned to the election.

The police said the deployment is intended to provide adequate security coverage while ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise without intimidation.

How voters can stay safe

For residents heading to the polls, some simple precautions can reduce the risk of encountering trouble:

• Carry only essential items to your polling unit.
• Avoid arguments over political parties or candidates.
• Do not participate in vote buying or other electoral offences.
• Keep away from crowds that become violent.
• Follow instructions from INEC officials and authorised security personnel.
• Do not bring underage children to polling units for voting activities.
• Avoid unnecessary movement during the vehicular restriction.
• Report suspected violence, intimidation or security threats to the appropriate authorities.
• Leave the polling area peacefully after completing the voting process where there is no reason to remain.

The police have urged Osun residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that comprehensive security measures have been put in place before, during and after the election.

With heightened surveillance, specialised security units and restrictions on movement in place, voters are expected to prioritise their safety, avoid confrontations and allow the electoral process to take place peacefully.