President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force to ensure peaceful and secure 2027 General Elections. This assurance was given on Monday, 21 September 2026, while declaring open the 6th Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, CARSPO 2026, in Owerri, Imo State. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu described the conference theme as timely and critical to Nigeria's democratic stability.
The conference, hosted by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, was attended by dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede. Uzodimma expressed delight at hosting CARSPO for the fourth time, commending the Police leadership for sustaining the platform for strategic engagement and solutions to contemporary security challenges. The event coincided with the International Day of Peace, marked this year under the theme "Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day".
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, unveiled a six-pillar roadmap to guide the Force's preparations for the 2027 elections. The 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. Disu noted that investing in peace requires professionalism, public trust, and proactive measures to prevent violence.
As part of the deliberations, Disu directed Commissioners of Police to identify and map potential electoral flashpoints, criminal networks, and emerging threats within their Commands. He also announced that the Force will release an official public election complaints line on 12 October 2026, ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The Police Chief reaffirmed the neutrality of the Force and warned against political violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying, and other electoral offences.
Disu warned that any officer found taking sides, harassing voters, colluding with political actors, or abusing Police powers would be held accountable. He emphasized the need for professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations, and effective inter-agency coordination during elections. The IGP's directives aim to ensure the Police Force's readiness to manage security during the 2027 elections effectively.
President Tinubu assured the Police Force of continued Federal Government support in training, technology, operational logistics, welfare, and institutional reforms. He stressed the need for a robust security framework to guarantee peaceful and secure elections. The President's commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force is seen as a significant move towards ensuring the country's democratic stability.
The 6th Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, CARSPO 2026, brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for effective security management during elections. Key stakeholders present at the event included former Inspectors-General of Police, IGP Mike Okiro and IGP Usman Alkali Baba, as well as the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan. The event provided a platform for strategic engagement and solutions to contemporary security challenges.
Key points
- President Tinubu assures of FG's commitment to strengthening Nigeria Police Force for peaceful 2027 General Elections
- IGP Disu unveils six-pillar roadmap to guide Police preparations for 2027 elections
- Police to release official public election complaints line on 12 October 2026
