The Nigeria Police Force has intensified security preparations across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, deploying more than 15,000 personnel, helicopters, drones and Police Mobile Force units to secure the electoral process.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed the deployment during a briefing in Osogbo on Friday, assuring residents, voters, political parties and other stakeholders that adequate security measures had been put in place for the election.
According to the police, air surveillance involving helicopters and drones has commenced across the state. The aerial operations are expected to complement ground personnel by monitoring areas that may be difficult to access and helping security agencies respond quickly to emerging threats.
The Police Mobile Force has also been deployed across all 30 local government areas in Osun. Each local government has been assigned a MOPOL unit, while additional units have been positioned for rapid response and to protect key electoral facilities.
The scale of the deployment comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension in the state. Several incidents, including reported attacks and clashes involving political actors and supporters, have raised concerns about the safety of voters and electoral officials ahead of the poll.
The police said their operation is aimed at protecting voters, candidates, election officials and materials while preventing violence and other forms of electoral malpractice. The force has also reiterated its commitment to remaining neutral and professional throughout the exercise.
In addition to the security deployment, the police have announced restrictions on movement in and out of Osun from midnight on Friday. The measure is intended to limit activities that could disrupt the election and prevent the movement of potential troublemakers during the voting period.
The presence of helicopters and drones is particularly significant as security agencies seek to monitor the wider security environment beyond individual polling units. With thousands of officers on the ground and aerial surveillance in operation, authorities are hoping to deter attacks and respond swiftly if any security emergency develops.
The election will be conducted across Osun’s 30 local government areas, 332 wards and 3,763 polling units. The police deployment therefore represents a major logistical operation designed to cover the state comprehensively.
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