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The Nigeria Police Force has deployed no fewer than 15,000 personnel to provide security for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, as authorities intensify preparations for a peaceful and credible exercise.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Erale Etaifo, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing officers deployed for election duty at the Police Officers' Mess in Osogbo.
Etaifo said his early deployment to Osun was ordered by the Inspector-General of Police in response to rising political tension and incidents of violence, including attacks and killings recorded in parts of the state.
He warned officers to remain professional and impartial, stressing that any security personnel found compromising the integrity of the election would face disciplinary and legal consequences.
The police commissioner also cautioned politicians, party supporters and other stakeholders against violating electoral laws, insisting that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to him, all persons arrested for election-related offences during the exercise would be transferred to Abuja for investigation and prosecution, in line with directives from the police authorities.
Etaifo said the security deployment comprises conventional police officers, tactical units, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), canine units, medical teams and other specialised formations.
He added that senior police officers, including the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the Assistant Inspector-General overseeing the operation, would be on ground to supervise security arrangements.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to a peaceful election, Etaifo urged all security personnel to discharge their duties with integrity and ensure a free, fair and violence-free governorship poll in Osun State.
