•Warns defaulters will face firm disciplinary action
By Stanley Onyekwere
With the 2027 General Elections less than three months away, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered police personnel nationwide to maintain strict neutrality, professionalism, and accountability throughout the electoral process.
IGP Disu gave the charge on Thursday, during the official opening of a five-day election security management training program for 10,000 police officers at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Abuja.
The initiative is organized by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF).
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the training is designed to establish uniform operational standards ahead of nationwide deployment.
It added that the program covers key areas including election security management, crowd control, conflict prevention, rules of engagement, human rights compliance, intelligence gathering, and lawful responses to election-related incidents.
The first phase of the training brings together officers across 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Addressing participants, IGP Disu stressed that security forms the backbone of a credible election, emphasizing that officers must protect voters, electoral officials, and the entire electoral process without fear or favor.
He warned that any officer who compromises the neutrality of the Force will face firm disciplinary action and be held fully accountable.
The Police chief directed state commands to intensify operational planning, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency coordination—especially in areas prone to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence.
IGP Disu further issued a stern warning against political violence, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching, vote-buying, and other electoral offenses, stating that perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
To ensure accountability on the field, the IGP announced that a dedicated 24-hour complaints line will be made available to the public to report any misconduct by officers on election duty.
He also urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, while calling on the media and civil society organizations to verify information before dissemination.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting police preparedness through operational equipment, enhanced mobility, and specialized training aimed at fostering a disciplined and impartial police force.
The opening ceremony drew high-profile dignitaries and security representatives, including Rear Admiral Sadiq Malaja (Rtd.), representing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Mr. Afam O. Okeke, General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Brigadier General J.A. Ifeanyi, representing the Chief of Army Staff; Group Captain Yakubu Yusuf, representing the Chief of Air Staff; and DCG Zakari Ibrahim, representing the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside members of the Force Management Team.
The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to sustained training, intelligence-led operations, and robust inter-agency collaboration to ensure a safe environment for all Nigerians during the upcoming 2027 polls.
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