President Bola Tinubu has called on the Nigeria Police Force to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made this statement at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State. Tinubu's address was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The President emphasized that the police must not be seen as an instrument of any political interest.
Tinubu stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, or geographical location, must feel protected by the police. He said the neutrality and professionalism of the Force were essential to public confidence and the credibility of Nigeria's democracy. The President's statement was disclosed by the SGF's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga.
The President highlighted that securing the electoral process involved more than protecting ballot papers and polling stations. He noted that the police must also protect citizens, electoral officials and materials, ensure peaceful campaigns, prevent violence and intimidation, and guarantee that Nigerians could participate in the democratic process without fear. Tinubu assured the police that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support for the Force to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to police reforms, saying meaningful reform required sustained investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational logistics, welfare, and institutional systems. He urged the police to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, deepen community engagement, and enhance inter-agency cooperation in tackling increasingly sophisticated security threats.
The President commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force and respond to emerging security challenges. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of police officers confronting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the country, including officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
Tinubu tasked senior police officers attending the retreat with producing a practical and implementable roadmap to strengthen election security, improve operational preparedness, and deepen public confidence. The President said the roadmap should also look beyond the 2027 elections towards building a modern, professional, technology-enabled, intelligence-driven, and citizen-centred Police Force.
The President assured officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force that the Federal Government valued their sacrifices and remained committed to supporting them. He, however, said such support must be matched by courage, integrity, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
Key points
- President Tinubu demands police neutrality and professionalism ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The President reaffirms the Federal Government's commitment to police reforms.
- Tinubu tasks senior police officers with producing a roadmap to strengthen election security.
