Personnel from various security formations have been stationed at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo, Osun State capital, ahead of Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election.

The Peoples Gazette on Friday observed that security operatives were positioned at sensitive locations, including the highway leading to the electoral commission’s office.

At the headquarters, personnel from several security agencies and patrol vans were positioned at the main entrance, around the facility’s perimeter, and within the electoral commission’s premises.

The security agencies and units at the INEC main office include the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Special Protection Unit (SPU).

Other enforcement agencies included the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the State Security Service (SSS), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Mounted Troop, and the Nigerian Mobile Police (MOPOL).

The Gazette also observed aircraft surveillance hovering overhead in the state’s capital, while security patrol vans were positioned around commercial centres, government facilities, and along major junctions in the state.

Ani Iniedu, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, on Friday reiterated the police’s earlier ban on the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, and other non-state actors from providing security during the election.

“Ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, the Nigeria Police Force has reiterated the prohibition on the participation of Amotekun and other non-state security actors in election-related security operations,” Mr Iniedu said.

“No non-state security group, vigilante organisation or other unauthorised body is permitted to assume or exercise the functions of a recognised security agency,” he added.

The police spokesman also restated the restriction of movement between “12:00 a.m. on Friday until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday” in the state.

Mr Iniedu said the restriction was part of the comprehensive measures put together to ensure a peaceful, secure and orderly conduct of the election.

He said, “Members of the public are urged to comply fully with the restriction and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state. Only persons and categories of movement specifically exempted by the appropriate authorities will be permitted during the period.

“Political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders are advised to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly and refrain from any act capable of causing violence or disrupting the electoral process.”