President Bola Tinubu has assured the Nigeria Police Force of the Federal Government's full support to ensure peaceful, credible, and seamless General Elections in 2027. Tinubu made the pledge at the opening of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) held in Owerri. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume. The three-day event has as its theme, "Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections."
Tinubu emphasized that securing the electoral process is crucial to protecting citizens, electoral officials, and democratic institutions. He said that the 2027 General Elections will require careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations, and close coordination. The president gave assurance that the government would enhance the operational capacity, welfare, and institutional effectiveness of the force. He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, for his efforts to reposition the force and praised officers for confronting kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes nationwide.
The president urged the police authorities to boost intelligence, improve response time, and deepen community engagement. He enjoined the police to remain neutral and protect all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations. "Police must be seen as a national institution, not a political tool," Tinubu said. He urged police officers to adopt practical solutions to safeguard democracy. Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo tasked officers on professionalism and neutrality during the 2027 polls in order to build public trust.
Uzodimma recalled the 2021 attacks on the police headquarters and custodial centre in Imo and highlighted the State Government's efforts to support federal agencies, including procuring Armoured Personnel Carriers and inaugurating 7,000 vigilance operatives under state security laws. He warned that digital technology and misinformation present new challenges for election security that required advanced intelligence-led operations. Uzodimma advocated decentralisation of the force backed by proper standards.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, disclosed that the force had arrested 251 terror suspects and 343 murder suspects since he assumed office in February. He said that the force also arrested 566 armed robbery suspects, 483 cult suspects, and rescued 1,066 kidnap victims during the same period. Disu assured Nigerians that the force would fight ongoing security threats, while simultaneously securing the 2027 polls.
Disu unveiled a six-pillar election security roadmap, focusing on early intelligence, rigorous officer training, joint agency command, fast communication, public partnerships, and strict political neutrality. He directed all the state Commissioners of Police to publish their official contact numbers for the public to easily report security concerns. Disu warned that any officer who colludes with political actors, harasses voters, or takes sides during the elections will be severely punished.
Other speakers at the event, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd.), delivered goodwill messages to the conference. The Executive Secretary of the Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, and retired Inspectors-General Mike Okiro and Usman Baba, also contributed to the discussions. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, was represented by Maj.-Gen. OA Fadairo.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu pledges Federal Government's full support to the Nigeria Police Force for the 2027 general election.
- The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, unveils a six-pillar election security roadmap.
- Gov. Hope Uzodimma tasks officers on professionalism and neutrality during the 2027 polls.
