If you are in Osun State, stay in. The police have just announced a total lockdown from midnight tonight ahead of tomorrow's governorship election.

Here is what you need to know:

Security is being tightened across Osun as the state heads to the polls on Saturday for the 2026 governorship election.

According to cbinews.tv, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed a statewide restriction of movement starting from midnight on Friday. The move is to allow for the smooth deployment of personnel and electoral materials across all 30 local government areas.

Speaking at a security briefing at the Osun State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said no vehicular movement will be allowed except for those on essential and security duties and voters heading out to vote.

“We will be locking down the state. We will not be allowing any vehicular movement apart from those on essential duty, security duties and those going to cast their franchise,” he said.

It is not just boots on the ground. CSP Iniedu revealed that air surveillance assets, including helicopters and drones, have been deployed to patrol the state.

For manpower, a full unit of the Police Mobile Force has been posted to each local government area, with each unit headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police as squadron commander. They will be supervised by Commissioners of Police and Deputy Commissioners of Police.

INEC is also getting extra protection. Two units of combat-ready armed PMF personnel have been deployed to the Independent National Electoral Commission office in the state, while seven detachments of Special Protection Unit officers will escort electoral materials and protect INEC officials.

On neutrality, the police insist they are not taking sides. Iniedu assured residents that their only job is to protect lives and property, and urged parents to keep underage children away from polling units and electoral violence.

He also issued a strong warning on vote buying, saying the Inspector-General of Police has ordered the arrest and prosecution of anyone caught.

And if you see any misconduct by officers? There is now a 24-hour call centre to report them, with a promise that any officer found violating electoral laws will be investigated and sanctioned.

The police also said they have been in talks with political stakeholders and ad-hoc staff, including NYSC members, to guarantee their safety, adding that welfare for deployed officers has been fully sorted.

On the shooting incident reported on Thursday, Iniedu said the command is still awaiting an official update and will brief the public soon. He noted that previous cases of clashes and politically motivated attacks are either before the courts or under investigation.

So if you are in Osun, plan. Get home early and be ready to exercise your right to vote peacefully tomorrow.

Source: cbinews.tv

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