The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a stern warning to politicians and their supporters against engaging in thuggery, buying votes, moving arms, or threatening voters and electoral officials during the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Owerri, Imo State, the IGP emphasized that the police would act against offenders irrespective of their status in the country.
IGP Disu unveiled a six-point security roadmap for the 2027 general elections, which includes proactive intelligence gathering, intensive training, inter-agency coordination, and strict accountability to safeguard the electoral process. He stressed that the police would not relax their efforts in tackling kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and communal violence, even as they prepare for the elections. According to him, the approach would be comprehensive, aiming to secure the elections while addressing other security challenges.
The IGP highlighted the significant operational gains made by the Nigeria Police Force since he assumed office in February 2026. Police personnel have arrested 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, 343 murder suspects, 566 armed robbery suspects, and 483 suspected cultists. Additionally, the police have rescued 1,066 kidnap victims and recovered 947 firearms and over 22,000 rounds of ammunition within the period.
IGP Disu emphasized that the Force's election security strategy would cover the entire electoral cycle, encompassing intelligence gathering, planning, training, protection of electoral personnel and materials, prevention of violence, and rapid response. He directed police commanders to map potential flashpoints and criminal networks ahead of the elections, stressing the importance of credible intelligence in enabling timely intervention.
The IGP outlined key pillars for election security, including early intelligence and warning systems, intensive training, joint command and coordination, rapid communication and technology, partnership with communities, and police neutrality and accountability. He also emphasized the need for closer coordination among the police, INEC, and other security and law-enforcement agencies, stressing that no single agency could secure an election alone.
IGP Disu reiterated that the Force would remain neutral and enforce the law without taking sides in political contests. He warned that any police officer who takes sides, harasses voters, colludes with political actors, or abuses power during the elections would face investigation and disciplinary action. The IGP also directed Commissioners of Police to strengthen supervision in their respective commands and ensure that directives from Force Headquarters reach all personnel.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) expressed the Fund's commitment to supporting the police in three critical areas: training, equipment, and mobility, to strengthen election security. He noted that election security places significant demands on the Nigeria Police Force and that meeting these responsibilities requires careful planning and capacity building.
Key points
- The IGP's six-point security roadmap for the 2027 general elections includes proactive intelligence gathering, intensive training, and inter-agency coordination.
- The police have made significant operational gains since IGP Disu assumed office, including the arrest of 251 terrorists and suspected bandits.
- The IGP emphasized the importance of police neutrality and accountability during the elections, warning that any officer who takes sides or abuses power would face disciplinary action.
