The Nigeria Police Force has announced a total restriction of movement across Osun State from midnight on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The restriction is part of security measures being implemented to ensure a peaceful and credible election across the state’s 30 local government areas.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this on Friday during a security briefing at the Osun State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo.

Police deploy helicopters, drones across Osun.

Iniedu said security agencies had finalised their deployment for the election, with air surveillance units, helicopters and drones already conducting patrols across the state.

He said a unit of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) had been deployed to each of the 30 local government areas, with an Assistant Commissioner of Police serving as squadron commander.

According to him, each deployment will be supervised by a Commissioner of Police and a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

The police spokesman also disclosed that two units of combat-ready armed PMF personnel had been deployed to the Independent National Electoral Commission office.

He added that seven detachments of Special Protection Units had been assigned to escort electoral materials and protect INEC officials during the election.

Police promise neutrality during Osun election.

Iniedu assured residents that the police would remain neutral throughout the election, stressing that the constitutional responsibility of the force was to protect lives and property.

He urged eligible voters to come out and exercise their franchise, while assuring them of adequate security.The police spokesman also appealed to parents and guardians to prevent underage children from participating in voting or becoming involved in electoral violence.

Police warn against vote buying.

On vote buying, Iniedu said the Inspector-General of Police had directed election supervisors to ensure that anyone caught engaging in the practice would be arrested and prosecuted immediately.

He also announced the activation of a 24-hour call centre to receive complaints about misconduct by police officers deployed for the election.

According to him, any officer found violating electoral laws or abusing the rights of citizens would be investigated and appropriately sanctioned.

Security agencies engage election officials.

Iniedu said the police had also engaged stakeholders and ad-hoc electoral personnel, including members of the National Youth Service Corps, to assure them of their safety during the electoral process.He added that welfare arrangements for officers deployed across Osun State had been completed to enable them to carry out their duties professionally and impartially.

The police said the movement restriction and wider security deployment are intended to prevent violence, protect voters and election officials, and safeguard electoral materials as Osun State prepares to elect its governor on Saturday.