Tension Grips Osun As Police Move Against Rising Violence, Deploy Secret Operatives

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has outlined measures it has introduced to prevent post-election violence in Osun State, following reports of increased tension after the governorship election.

At least 34 election-related violent incidents, resulting in 18 deaths, have been recorded in the state since May 2026.

Speaking to Punch, Force spokesperson Ani Iniedu disclosed that police personnel deployed for Saturday’s governorship election would remain in the state as part of efforts to maintain peace and prevent further violence.

He said anti-riot officers had been deployed to identified flashpoints and strategic junctions, while undercover operatives were also deployed to gather intelligence and monitor developments.

“The officers who came for the election are still on the ground. We have deployed anti-riot police officers to flashpoints and junctions across a few states.

“We have undercover agents moving from one point to the other, flipping out the intelligence and informing the police,” he said.

Iniedu added that senior police officers had been assigned to coordinate the post-election security arrangements, with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) actively involved in the operation.

“The DIG is coordinating the election on the ground. The AIG is on the ground. The CP is on the ground.

“So we are on full alert to ensure that nothing untoward happens as part of our post-election security plan,” he stated.

Ahead of the governorship election, the police had deployed more than 15,000 personnel and at least 30 Commissioners of Police to Osun State to provide security during the exercise.

A Deputy Inspector-General of Police was also assigned to oversee and coordinate the overall security operation for the election.

The latest deployment is aimed at maintaining law and order, protecting residents and preventing further violence in the post-election period.