Osun guber: Police to deploy 10,000 personnel

In preparation for the governorship election scheduled for Saturday in Osun State, the Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that it has implemented all necessary measures to ensure a free and fair poll.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, after addressing reporters about the upcoming Sixth Edition of the Retreat for Senior Officers in Imo State, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, emphasised that residents should not harbour unnecessary fears, as adequate measures are in place to create a conducive environment for registered voters to exercise their civic duties.

Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force announced plans to develop a comprehensive roadmap for effectively managing security during elections, aiming to strengthen the security framework ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of 10,000 police personnel to oversee the election, under the supervision of a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), as well as the reassignment of an Election Commissioner to the state.

The Force spokesperson reiterated that the police officers being deployed have been adequately trained and will adhere strictly to the rules of engagement.

Regarding the upcoming Sixth Edition of the Retreat for Senior Officers, which includes participants from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above, it was announced that this conference is set to focus on developing strategies to address emerging security challenges associated with elections.

Scheduled to take place from September 21 to 23, 2026, in Owerri, Imo State, the theme of the conference is: “Developing a Nigeria Police Road Map for Effective Management of Security During Elections.”

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved this edition of the conference as part of the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to enhance strategic leadership, professionalism, and operational preparedness.

He added that the theme was particularly relevant as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Elections, adding that the conference would provide an opportunity for senior police managers and relevant stakeholders to critically examine security challenges associated with elections and develop practical strategies for ensuring safe, peaceful and credible electoral processes.

He explained that since its inception in 2019, the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers had provided a platform for strategic reflection, peer learning and professional engagement among senior police officers.

He added that the initiative had focused on strengthening the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively respond to emerging internal security challenges.

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According to him, the conference has over the years attracted senior government officials, security and law enforcement leaders, policing experts and other stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria.

He further added that the gathering had also provided an opportunity for the Force to examine contemporary security challenges and develop strategies for improving policing and internal security management.

The 2026 edition, he assured, would focus on strengthening the institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police Force for effective election security management while discussions would include contemporary policing strategies, the application of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence, Police-Community Partnership, intelligence-led policing, and other approaches that could enhance the effectiveness of police operations before, during and after elections.

The Force said the Conference and Retreat was primarily a gathering of senior police officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above.

It added that the event would also provide an opportunity for engagement with carefully selected experts and relevant stakeholders whose knowledge and experience could contribute to the development of effective strategies for election security and internal security management.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, in Owerri, Imo State.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working within its statutory mandate and in partnership with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 General Elections are conducted in a peaceful, safe and secure environment,” he stated.