The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports alleging that hundreds of police personnel deployed to Osun State for the August 15, 2026 governorship election have remained in the state for weeks without adequate food and basic welfare provisions.
The Force said the continued deployment of the personnel was part of established post-election security procedures and was not an indication of neglect.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, stated this in a statement issued on Friday.
The clarification responds to reports published by sections of the media, PUNCH excluded.
The report, citing internal sources, said hundreds of officers drawn from as many as 50 Police Mobile Force squadrons remained in Osun weeks after the poll.
Some were said to be camped under difficult conditions with inadequate food and basic provisions, including in the Gbongan area, and left with little operational activity after their election duties ended.
Police said the continued presence of the personnel in Osun was intended to sustain security, prevent post-election violence, address emerging threats and ensure a smooth transition to normal policing.
“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 rejected 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 criticised 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 said 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 urged media organisations to verify claims, particularly those attributed to unnamed sources, before publishing reports that could mislead the public or undermine security operations.
The August 15 election saw incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party retain his seat. He polled 511,067 votes against 444,815 for All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji. The result was declared after Adeleke won in 19 local government areas to Oyebamiji’s 11.
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