President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigeria Police Force to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of its responsibilities ahead of the 2027 general elections. He stressed that the police must never be seen as an instrument of any political interest. This charge was given at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State.
The president's address, delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emphasized that every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, or geographical location, must feel protected by the police. He noted that the neutrality and professionalism of the Force are fundamental to public confidence and the credibility of the nation's democracy.
President Tinubu highlighted that the 2027 elections would require careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations, and close coordination among security and electoral stakeholders. He assured that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to enable the Force to effectively discharge its responsibilities. The president explained that securing the electoral process goes beyond protecting ballot papers and polling stations.
The president reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to ongoing police reforms, stressing that meaningful reform requires sustained investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational logistics, welfare, and institutional systems. He urged the Force to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, deepen community engagement, and enhance inter-agency cooperation to meet increasingly sophisticated security threats.
President Tinubu commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for efforts to reposition the Force and respond to emerging security challenges. He acknowledged the sacrifices of officers confronting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the country, including those who have paid the ultimate price.
The president reminded the Force that the security expectations of Nigerians remain high, urging officers to continue building public confidence through discipline, accountability, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of citizens. He tasked senior police officers at the retreat to produce a practical and implementable roadmap that would strengthen election security, improve operational preparedness, and deepen public confidence.
President Tinubu's charge to the police comes as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. The president's emphasis on professionalism and impartiality is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring a free and fair electoral process. The Nigeria Police Force plays a critical role in maintaining law and order during elections, and its neutrality is essential to the credibility of the democratic process.
Key points
- President Tinubu charges Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism and impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The president emphasizes the importance of neutrality and professionalism in public confidence and the credibility of the nation's democracy.
- The Federal Government reaffirms its commitment to ongoing police reforms, including sustained investment in personnel, training, and technology.
