Movement into and out of Osun State will be restricted from midnight on Friday as security agencies tighten measures ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The restriction is part of a wider security operation designed to prevent suspected troublemakers from entering the state and ensure the election proceeds peacefully across the 30 local government areas.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, major routes leading into Osun will be affected, with the military expected to reinforce security personnel at key entry and exit points.
However, people travelling for essential duties, security operations and legitimate voting activities will be permitted to move under the security arrangement.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Osogbo, the state capital, on Thursday.
The police said more than 15,000 personnel have been deployed across Osun to provide security before, during and after the election.
The deployment involves senior police officers at different levels, with about 30 Commissioners of Police assigned to coordinate security operations across the state’s 30 local government areas.
A Deputy Inspector-General of Police will supervise the overall operation, while Deputy Commissioners of Police and senior officers from the Mobile Police Force will support the command structure at the local government level.
The police also confirmed the deployment of armed Mobile Police units across the state.
Each local government area will have a unit comprising about 60 officers, while two additional units will be stationed at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Osogbo.
Helicopter, Drones Deployed For Surveillance
Security surveillance will not be limited to the roads.
The police disclosed that a helicopter and drone team had arrived in Osun and would conduct aerial monitoring of the state before, during and immediately after voting.
The surveillance operation is expected to focus on areas considered vulnerable to violence or other forms of electoral disruption.
According to the police, security preparations for the election began roughly three weeks before the poll, allowing security agencies to deploy personnel, logistics and surveillance equipment ahead of election day.
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While urging residents to participate peacefully in the election, the police warned against activities capable of undermining the credibility of the process.
Residents were specifically cautioned against intimidation, stalking, vote buying, ballot-box snatching and other electoral offences.
Parents and guardians were also urged to warn their children and wards against allowing themselves to be recruited into political violence or other activities that could result in arrest and prosecution.
The police said a mobile court would be available during the election to deal with cases involving persons arrested for electoral offences.
Security Lockdown Ahead Of Crucial Poll
The movement restriction comes as Osun enters the final stretch of what has been a fiercely contested governorship race.
With political parties and their supporters preparing for Saturday’s vote, security agencies are seeking to strike a delicate balance between protecting the electoral process and ensuring legitimate voters can exercise their rights.
The police urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel and avoid anything capable of disrupting the election.
As Osun voters head to the polls, the message from the security agencies is clear: vote peacefully, obey the rules and stay away from anything that could turn election day into a security crisis.