The Commissioners of Police in Kwara and Akwa Ibom states have warned officers deployed to Osun State for Saturday's governorship election against political bias, unprofessional conduct and other actions capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Baba Azare, issued the warnings separately on Thursday while addressing personnel from their respective commands before their deployment.

Adekimi, in a statement issued by the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, directed officers to maintain discipline, neutrality and professionalism throughout the election.

He said the directive was in line with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu's instruction that all personnel deployed for election duties must remain apolitical and impartial.

"The personnel must remain apolitical and impartial, while discharging their responsibilities strictly in accordance with the law and established rules of engagement," Adekimi said.

The CP described election security as a critical national assignment and warned officers against any action capable of compromising the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force or eroding public confidence in the electoral process.

He specifically cautioned them against extortion, fraternisation with political actors and unnecessary use of force.

Adekimi also urged the personnel to remain vigilant and maintain effective communication with their commanders throughout the election.

He directed them to prioritise the protection of lives and property, maintenance of public order and the creation of a secure environment where residents could exercise their franchise without intimidation or interference.

Similarly, Akwa Ibom CP Baba Azare warned officers deployed to Osun against partisanship, intimidation of voters, extortion, harassment, unnecessary use of force and other forms of unprofessional conduct.

According to a statement by the Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, Azare issued the warning while addressing the officers before their departure for Osun State.

He reminded them that election duty was a sensitive national responsibility and urged them to uphold the integrity, discipline and professionalism expected of police personnel.

"You are going to Osun State as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

"You must remain completely neutral and professional. Do not allow yourselves to be used by any political party, candidate or individual," he said.

Azare also cautioned the officers against abandoning their duty posts, consuming alcohol while on duty and engaging in any conduct capable of bringing the police into disrepute.

He further reminded them to comply with the IGP's Social Media Policy, warning them against posting, livestreaming or circulating photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in a manner that could compromise operational security.

The CP also disclosed that adequate transportation arrangements had been made for the officers and warned that no personnel was authorised to pay for transportation to Osun or back to Akwa Ibom.

He directed officers to use only officially approved transportation arrangements and ordered that any attempt by personnel to collect money for transportation or related expenses be reported through the appropriate channels.

Azare charged the officers to remain under the command and control of their designated commanders, adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.

He said their conduct should contribute to a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process in Osun State.