Police Reject Welfare Neglect Claims Over Prolonged Osun Election Deployment

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports alleging that hundreds of its personnel deployed for the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election have been left stranded in the state for weeks without adequate food and basic welfare provisions.

The Force said the continued deployment of the officers was part of its standard post-election security measures and should not be interpreted as neglect of personnel.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, stated this in a statement issued on Friday, September 4.

According to Iniedu, officers often remain deployed after elections to prevent possible violence, respond to emerging security threats and maintain stability during the transition back to normal policing.

He said the duration of such deployments is determined by prevailing operational and security requirements.

The police spokesperson also rejected claims that the personnel had been abandoned or denied their welfare entitlements.

“All officers deployed for the election have received their approved entitlements, and command structures remain responsible for their welfare throughout the assignment,” the statement said.

The Force described the reports as misleading, arguing that presenting a planned post-election security deployment as institutional neglect could affect the morale of its personnel and public confidence in the police.

“Portraying a planned post-election security deployment as institutional neglect is misleading,” the statement added.

The police said it remained committed to the welfare of its personnel while deploying officers strategically to areas where their presence was considered necessary to protect lives and property.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to personnel welfare and will continue to deploy officers strategically wherever needed to protect lives, property, and public peace,” it said.

The Force also urged media organisations to verify information before publishing reports concerning security operations, particularly claims attributed to unnamed sources.