The Nigeria Police Force will deploy about 15,000 personnel for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, according to the Commissioner of Police in charge of the exercise, Samuel Etaifo.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday after a meeting with officers assigned to the election, Etaifo said the deployment would comprise conventional police officers, specialists, Police Mobile Force personnel, dog handlers and medical teams.

He added that a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) would also oversee security operations during the poll.

“As I speak with you, we are expecting no fewer than 15,000 officers for this election. This includes conventional policemen, specialists, the dog section, medical personnel and the Police Mobile Force. The DIG and AIG in charge of the operation are also coming,” Etaifo said.

The commissioner explained that he was deployed to Osun ahead of schedule due to heightened political tension in the state. He noted that additional personnel had already been sent earlier following reports of escalating violence.

Etaifo directed all officers to maintain professionalism, uphold the law and ensure a peaceful, free and credible election. He warned that any security personnel or individual found attempting to compromise the electoral process would face the full weight of the law.

He also disclosed that anyone arrested for electoral offences during the election would be transferred to Abuja for investigation and prosecution, describing the governorship poll as a matter of national importance.

Osun voters are scheduled to elect a governor on August 15, with 14 candidates, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, contesting the election.