The Nigeria Police Force has barred Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other community-based security outfits from participating in security operations during Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
The directive prohibits the groups from escorting election materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints or carrying arms as part of election security, with the police warning that anyone who deploys or sponsors unauthorised security outfits for the poll will be arrested and prosecuted.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, as security agencies intensify preparations for the 15 August election.
“The Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and all other non-state or quasi-security formations have no role in election security, including escorting materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms,” the statement read.
The police said only authorised security agencies would participate in the joint election security operation across the state’s 30 local government areas.
