The Nigeria Police Force has deployed no fewer than 15,000 personnel to Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The Force pledged to ensure a peaceful, free and credible electoral process amid rising  political tension and reports of violence.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing officers at the Police Officers’ Mess in Osogbo.

He said the security operation will comprise conventional police officers, specialists, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), K-9 units, medical personnel and other tactical teams.

According to him, a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) and an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) would also oversee the election security architecture.

He said that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered his early deployment to Osun following escalating political tension, violent attacks and reported killings in parts of the state.

He said the decision underscores the police leadership’s determination to prevent a breakdown of law and order before, during and after the governorship election.

Etaifo also warned political actors and their supporters, stressing that anyone arrested for violating electoral laws would be transferred to Abuja for prosecution.

He said anybody arrested during the election for electoral offences will be taken to Abuja. “That is the directive. This election is a federal government election, and anyone who violates the law will face the consequences,” he warned.

He however, assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force would remain neutral and professional throughout the exercise, insisting that security personnel would provide a level playing field for all political parties and guarantee the safety of voters.

Meanwhile speaking during a separate visit to the Osun State  Government House, Etaifo told Governor Ademola Adeleke that he had been specifically mandated by the Inspector-General of Police to coordinate all security arrangements and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the election.

He pledged that officers under his command would discharge their duties with professionalism and impartiality to safeguard the credibility of the poll.

Responding, Governor Adeleke commended the Inspector-General of Police for responding to the state’s concerns by redeploying a new election commissioner of police following allegations of partisanship against the former police chief.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a peaceful electoral process, stressing that free and fair elections remain the cornerstone of democracy.

He expressed confidence that the newly deployed police commissioner would work closely with other security agencies to protect lives and property and guarantee a secure environment as Osun ahead of the August 15 governorship election.