Police deploy helicopters, drones, MOPOL ahead of Osun governorship election

The Nigeria Police Force has assured Osun State residents of robust security measures for Saturday's gubernatorial election. Force Public Relations Officer Okokon Iniedu made the announcement at Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, following a meeting with deployment officers. Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu had directed the police to ensure a safe, peaceful and credible election while protecting lives and property.

Vote buying is an electoral offense that the police will not tolerate, Iniedu stated. The IGP has instructed the Deputy Inspector General responsible for the election to arrest and prosecute any individual caught engaging in vote-buying. The police spokesperson emphasized the neutrality of security agencies, assuring voters, INEC officials and election personnel of their commitment to a secure, safe and seamless election.

Aerial surveillance was initiated across the state, with helicopters and drones patrolling from the air. One unit of the Police Mobile Force was deployed to each local government area, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) received two units of combat-ready armed MOPOL personnel. Additionally, seven units of Special Protection Unit personnel were designated to handle the movement of INEC materials and protect electoral officers.

Four unarmed police personnel will be stationed at each of the over 3,700 polling units in Osun State, a directive from the IGP. The police have conducted security threat assessments across all 30 local government areas, deploying personnel proportionate to the identified risks. Covert operatives will gather intelligence and respond to emerging threats, further ensuring a secure electoral process.