The disclosures were made during a strategic meeting at Force Headquarters in Abuja on August 7, 2026, where civil society organizations presented findings on pre-election security threats, escalating violence, and growing concerns over police neutrality.
Acknowledging public calls and security concerns, IGP Disu revealed that CP Samuel Erale Etaifo has been officially deployed to take direct charge of election operations in Osun State, with an Assistant Inspector-General of Police providing senior operational oversight.
Furthermore, CP Abayomi Shogunle will coordinate operations remotely from the central monitoring center in Abuja rather than deploying directly to the field.
The meeting was convened at the request of leading election-monitoring organizations, including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), Yiaga Africa, CLEEN Foundation, Center for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), The Kukah Center, Kimpact Development Initiative, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Partners West Africa, TAF Africa, and the Centre for Media and Society.
Civil society delegates emphasized that the Osun election serves as a crucial barometer for election security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting was convened at the request of leading election-monitoring organizations, including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), Yiaga Africa, CLEEN Foundation, Center for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), The Kukah Center, Kimpact Development Initiative, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Partners West Africa, TAF Africa, and the Centre for Media and Society.
Civil society delegates emphasized that the Osun election serves as a crucial barometer for election security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Pre-election threat assessments presented to the IGP revealed a alarming surge in political tension, with 13 out of 30 Local Government Areas in Osun classified as high-risk zones.
Data showed 34 recorded fatalities across 44 violent incidents between June 2025 and June 2026, including targeted attacks on party leaders, coordinated shootings, political abductions, and violent clashes at local government secretariats.
Addressing these concerns, IGP Disu reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security and will maintain operational command over all security deployments.
Addressing these concerns, IGP Disu reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security and will maintain operational command over all security deployments.
Early positioning of personnel has already commenced across Osun State, characterized by a visible deterrence posture and shows of force designed to discourage disruptive elements while building community trust.
To safeguard the polling process, the Police Chief committed a minimum of four police officers to each of the state’s 3,673 polling units, backed by personnel from collaborating security agencies.
To safeguard the polling process, the Police Chief committed a minimum of four police officers to each of the state’s 3,673 polling units, backed by personnel from collaborating security agencies.
Strict movement control measures and roadblocks will be established on election day, with a firm directive that no political actor or candidate will be permitted to move with security aides or armed escorts.
In response to reports of politically linked cult groups and thuggery, the IGP confirmed that targeted investigations have already led to arrests, warning that enforcement actions will actively target both the perpetrators and their political sponsors.
In response to reports of politically linked cult groups and thuggery, the IGP confirmed that targeted investigations have already led to arrests, warning that enforcement actions will actively target both the perpetrators and their political sponsors.
Additionally, the NPF management team has prioritized personnel welfare by paying all election-duty allowances in advance to ensure operational readiness and high morale.
The NPF is also taking specific measures to ensure inclusive policing by increasing the deployment of female officers and establishing dedicated security protocols for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The NPF is also taking specific measures to ensure inclusive policing by increasing the deployment of female officers and establishing dedicated security protocols for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
To combat synthetic media, fake news, and election-related disinformation, national coordination structures have been trained to monitor and act against harmful information operations, supported by a direct liaison mechanism to brief accredited observers and journalists in real-time.
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