IG deploys DIG, warns against ballot snatching
August 13, 2026 12:58 am
Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu. Photo: NPF
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed a Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ishyaku Mohammed, to Osun State to coordinate security operations for Saturday’s governorship election.
The deployment is part of measures by the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible conduct of the August 15, 2026 election.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, DIG Mohammed would coordinate the police component of the election security arrangement and work with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
He will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police deployed across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“DIG Mohammed will coordinate the police component of the election-security arrangement and work closely with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“He will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police strategically deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts to supervise operations, strengthen intelligence-led policing, and ensure prompt response to emerging threats, “the statement read.
The police spokesman said adequate arrangements had also been made to protect voters, personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers and media practitioners before, during and after the election.
Disu warned political actors, their supporters and other persons who might seek to disrupt the election against electoral offences.
The IG was quoted as saying, “Ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery, and every other electoral offence will attract prompt arrest and prosecution.”
Iniedu also reiterated the ban on armed escorts, security aides and other unauthorised persons accompanying political figures or VIPs to polling units and collation centres on election day.
He said state-established security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations were equally prohibited from participating in election security duties.
The statement said the restriction was in line with established Nigeria Police Force directives on election security.
He urged residents, voters and visitors in Osun State to remain calm and assured them of adequate security throughout the electoral process.
The Force spokesman added that eligible voters should exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear, while reaffirming its commitment to “professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights, and the protection of the electoral process.”
Solomon Odeniyi is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over six years of professional experience. He has covered key national beats including the judiciary, military, and police, and currently reports on anti-corruption and related issues. Solomon’s work reflects a strong commitment to development-oriented reporting, public interest journalism, and accountability.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]