The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports alleging that hundreds of officers deployed to Osun State for the August 15 governorship election were abandoned in the state weeks after the poll without adequate food and welfare.

The Force explained that the continued presence of the personnel in Osun was part of its established post-election security strategy and should not be interpreted as neglect.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, made this known in a statement issued on Friday in response to reports concerning the condition of officers still deployed across the state.

Reports had claimed that personnel drawn from about 50 Police Mobile Force squadrons remained in Osun after the election, with some allegedly facing difficult living conditions and inadequate provisions.

However, the police said the extended deployment was deliberate and based on prevailing security assessments. It said retaining the officers was necessary to prevent possible post-election violence, respond quickly to emerging threats and maintain stability while normal policing operations resumed.

The Force stressed that the duration of post-election deployments is determined by operational and security requirements and may extend beyond election day where circumstances demand it.

It also rejected claims that the officers had been denied their welfare entitlements, stating that all personnel deployed for the election received their approved allowances and other authorised benefits.

According to the police, the relevant command structures remained responsible for the welfare of the officers throughout their deployment.

The Force warned that portraying a planned security operation as institutional neglect could negatively affect the morale of police personnel and undermine public confidence in the institution.

The police reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of its officers and said personnel would continue to be deployed strategically across the country whenever necessary to protect lives and property and maintain public order.

The Force also urged media organisations and online platforms to properly verify reports, particularly information obtained from unnamed sources, before publication.