The Nigeria Police Force has deployed 15,000 personnel to provide security for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
While addressing journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Security in Osun State, Samuel Erale Etaifo, warned that anyone arrested for electoral offences will be transferred to the Force Headquarters outside the state for investigation and prosecution.
He said the 15,000 personnel include Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives, and other specialised units.
The Commissioner said the assignment is beyond a state exercise, adding that any infraction will be treated as an offence against the nation.
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“This governorship election is a federal election. Anyone arrested for electoral offences will be taken out of Osun State to the Force Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution. There will be no room for interference.
“I therefore warn politicians and other stakeholders against compromising the electoral process as the Police will not tolerate vote buying, ballot snatching, violence, voter intimidation or any other form of electoral malpractice.
Etaifo said his mandate includes restoring peace and coordinating security operations across Osun State ahead of the election.
He remarked that he had met Governor Ademola Adeleke to brief him on the assignment and reassure the state government of the police’s commitment to a peaceful poll.
