Osun Decides: Police Air Wing Intensifies Aerial Surveillance as Security Tightens
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced aerial surveillance operations across Osun State as part of an intensified security operation aimed at safeguarding the ongoing governorship election.
The Police Air Wing had been deployed to the state ahead of the election and has now begun active operations, complementing the deployment of ground personnel and other specialised security units across the state.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Okokon, confirmed the commencement of the aerial operation on Saturday as voting got underway at polling units across the state.
The development underscores the heightened security posture adopted for the election, following concerns over possible attempts to disrupt the electoral process. The aerial surveillance is expected to provide security agencies with a wider view of activities across communities and enable quicker detection and response to emerging threats.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo Erale, had earlier disclosed that the Police Air Wing, intelligence and tactical units, as well as anti-bomb experts, had been deployed as part of the comprehensive security arrangement for the poll.
About 15,000 police personnel have also been deployed across Osun State, while movement restrictions have been imposed as part of measures to control movement and prevent activities that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the election.
The heightened security operation comes against the backdrop of reports of disruptions and arrests in some parts of the state as voting continues. Security agencies are expected to maintain close surveillance around polling units and other strategic locations throughout the exercise.
President Bola Tinubu had directed the police and other security agencies to provide maximum protection for voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders, while urging political actors and their supporters to shun violence.
With aerial surveillance now fully operational alongside ground and specialised units, the police said they remained committed to preventing electoral violence, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise without intimidation.