President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) towards peaceful and secure 2027 general elections. The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, declared open the 6th Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Owerri, Imo state. The conference, themed 'Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections', aims to enhance the NPF's capabilities in managing security during elections.
The Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma, welcomed participants and expressed delight at hosting the Conference for the 4th time. He commended the NPF for sustaining the platform for strategic engagement and the development of solutions to contemporary security challenges. The Governor also acknowledged the significance of the conference in addressing emerging security threats.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, outlined six pillars to guide the NPF election-security roadmap. These pillars include strengthened intelligence and early-warning systems, intensive training and preparedness, joint command and inter-agency coordination, effective communication and deployment of technology, sustained community partnership, and absolute neutrality. The IGP emphasized the importance of investing in peace, professionalism, public trust, and proactive measures to prevent violence.
The IGP noted that the opening ceremony coincided with the International Day of Peace, observed under the 2026 theme, 'Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day'. He stressed that for the Nigeria Police, investing in peace required a multifaceted approach. As part of the conference deliberations, Commissioners of Police (CPs) were expected to identify and map potential electoral flashpoints, criminal networks, and other emerging threats within their respective Commands.
The IGP announced that the NPF would release an official public election complaints line on October 12, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections. He reaffirmed the neutrality of the Force and warned against political violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying, and other electoral offences. The IGP vowed that any Police officer found taking sides, harassing voters, colluding with political actors, or abusing Police powers would be held accountable.
The conference was attended by high-ranking government officials, including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Other dignitaries present included the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.). Former Inspectors-General of Police and other stakeholders also attended the event.
The IGP's 6-pillar framework aims to ensure a secure and peaceful 2027 general elections. Key aspects of the framework include strengthened intelligence, intensive training, and inter-agency coordination. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to upholding its mandate to maintain law and order during the elections.
Key points
- IGP Olatunji Disu outlines 6-pillar framework for 2027 election security.
- President Bola Tinubu reaffirms government's commitment to supporting NPF for peaceful elections.
- Conference brings together high-ranking officials to discuss election security challenges.
