The Nigeria Police Force has denied accusations that hundreds of police officers assigned to Osun State for the August 15, 2026 governorship election have lingered in the state for weeks without proper food or basic welfare services.
The Force stated that the personnel’s continuing deployment was part of established post-election security protocols and did not constitute neglect.
CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer at Force Headquarters in Abuja, stated this in a statement released on Friday.
The statement answers to reports published by many media outlets, excluding Chronicle NG.
According to internal sources, hundreds of officers from up to 50 Police Mobile Force squadrons stayed in Osun for weeks after the poll.
Some were alleged to have tented in harsh conditions with insufficient food and basic supplies, notably in the Gbongan area, and left with minimal operational activity after their election duties were completed.
Police stated the personnel’s ongoing presence in Osun was designed to maintain security, prevent post-election violence, address emerging threats, and enable a smooth return to routine policing operations.
“The Nigeria Police Force has noted a recent publication alleging that hundreds of police personnel deployed to Osun State for the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election have remained there for weeks under harsh conditions, lacking adequate food and basic welfare provisions.
“The Force clarifies that the continued presence of personnel in Osun State follows established post-election deployment procedures. This proactive measure sustains security, prevents post-election violence, addresses emerging threats, and ensures a smooth transition to normal policing. The duration of deployment is determined by operational and security needs,” the statement read.
NPF denied claims that the personnel had been abandoned or subjected to inadequate welfare.
“The Force rejects claims that personnel have been abandoned or subjected to inadequate welfare. All officers deployed for the election have received their approved entitlements, and command structures remain responsible for their welfare throughout the assignment,” it said.
The Force also condemned reports portraying the post-election deployment as institutional neglect.
“Portraying a planned post-election security deployment as institutional neglect is misleading. Such reporting misrepresents operational realities and may undermine personnel morale and public confidence in the Force,” the statement said.
The police stated that they remained committed to personnel welfare and would continue to deploy officers strategically where necessary to protect lives and property and maintain public peace.
The Force requested media outlets to verify assertions, particularly those ascribed to anonymous sources, before publishing reports that could mislead the public or jeopardize security operations.
During the August 15 election, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party retained his position. He received 511,067 votes, compared to 444,815 for All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji. The results were announced after Adeleke won 19 local government areas to Oyebamiji’s 11.
