The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle to Ekiti State to coordinate security arrangements for the governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
The deployment is part of efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process across the state.
According to the Ekiti State Police Command, the move aligns with strategic security measures approved by the IGP to provide comprehensive protection before, during and after the election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the command disclosed that Shogunle had assumed duty as the Commissioner of Police overseeing election security operations and had immediately commenced the implementation of enhanced security strategies.
The police said the newly deployed officer had strengthened collaboration with other security agencies and relevant election stakeholders while activating intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing political violence, cult-related activities, thuggery and other threats that could disrupt the electoral process.
As part of the security framework, authorities have also introduced measures to tackle misinformation and ensure the safe movement of electoral materials, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other personnel involved in the exercise.
The command further revealed that a centralised operational structure had been established to coordinate rapid response efforts across the state.
Security personnel from various agencies operating under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security will be jointly deployed to critical locations.
The arrangement is expected to protect polling units, collation centres, election facilities, voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and vital public infrastructure throughout the election period.
“The Commissioner of Police further states that adequate security personnel are being strategically deployed to all identified flashpoints across the state to forestall any breach of peace and ensure a hitch-free electoral process,” the statement said.
Shogunle assured residents that officers assigned to election duties had been properly briefed on professional conduct and would operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
He also appealed to political parties, candidates, community leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace and order before, during and after the election.
The Ekiti State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the conduct of a free, fair and credible governorship election.
Residents were encouraged to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspicious activities through designated police channels.
