Security agencies arrested 295 suspects in connection with incidents recorded during the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Of the 295 suspects arrested, 293 were released on bail after undergoing screening, while two remained in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrests were part of the security measures deployed across the state to prevent violence, vote-buying and other activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.
The Force spokesman, Ani Iniedu, confirmed the arrests and provided details of the outcome of the screening exercise.
He said, “295 suspects were arrested during the election, and 293 have been released on bail after screening. So we have two of them in custody for prosecution.”
Ahead of the election, the police had warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against actions that could threaten peace or undermine the credibility of the poll.
The arrests highlight the level of security enforcement deployed across Osun as authorities sought to deter electoral offences and respond to incidents reported during the voting process.
However, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said none of its personnel arrested any suspect during the election.
According to the NSCDC spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, the corps concentrated on maintaining security through a layered deployment covering polling centres, wards and local government areas.
He explained that the strategy was designed to provide a visible security presence while ensuring that personnel could respond quickly to major incidents when necessary.
He said, “Three fully armed patrol teams, equipped with Hilux vehicles, were stationed in every local government area to maintain a visible deterrent and respond to major incidents.”
Babawale added that NSCDC personnel were also deployed directly to polling centres to maintain order and monitor activities throughout the election.
He said, “Also, three unarmed personnel were directly deployed to every polling centre to maintain order and monitor activities on-site.”
Explaining the broader security arrangement, the NSCDC spokesman said additional armed personnel were positioned away from polling centres to provide backup and strengthen the security network.
He said, “Two armed personnel were positioned 500 metres away from each polling centre, bringing the total deployment to five officers assigned to cover each polling unit.”
The security operations came as authorities placed significant emphasis on maintaining peace throughout the election, with security agencies deployed across the state to prevent violence and respond to possible electoral offences.
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