The Nigeria Police Force has dramatically increased security across Osun State ahead of Saturday's governorship election, deploying thousands of personnel and senior officers to oversee the poll.
The police deployment includes 15,000 operatives, 30 Commissioners of Police and a Deputy Inspector-General of Police who will coordinate security operations across the state.
The force said the extensive deployment is aimed at maintaining law and order, protecting voters and preventing violence during the election.
According to the police, personnel have been deployed to strategic locations across Osun as part of preparations for the governorship poll.
The security operation began several weeks before the election, with authorities stepping up preparations as political campaigns and activities intensified.
The Deputy Inspector-General assigned to the state will coordinate the overall security operation and work with other senior officers deployed for the election.
The 30 Commissioners of Police will also play key roles in supervising operations across different areas of the state.
The police presence is expected to be particularly visible around polling units, collation centres, major roads and other locations considered strategically important to the election.
Security agencies are also expected to monitor movements and respond quickly to incidents that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the poll.
The heightened security comes against the backdrop of concerns about political tension and isolated incidents reported in the state ahead of the election.
Police authorities have urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to comply with security directives throughout the electoral period.
Voters have also been encouraged to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of disrupting the election.
The massive deployment reflects the importance attached to securing the electoral process and ensuring that eligible voters can cast their ballots without intimidation.
The election is scheduled to hold across Osun State on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with voters expected to choose the next governor of the state.
The police said its personnel would remain focused on preventing violence, electoral offences and other activities capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.
The security operation also comes as political parties make final preparations and seek to mobilise supporters ahead of voting.
With the election now only hours away, the police deployment represents one of the most significant security operations mounted around the Osun governorship contest.
Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and follow all lawful instructions during the election.
The police maintained that its objective is to provide a secure environment in which voters can exercise their democratic rights peacefully.
As Osun heads to the polls, the attention of political parties, candidates and voters will now turn to the conduct of voting, collation and the eventual declaration of results.