President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the importance of police impartiality ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general election. Speaking at the sixth annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Tinubu warned that the Nigeria Police Force must not become an instrument of any political interest. He stressed that the police belong to the nation, not to any political actor, and that every Nigerian must feel protected by the police, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, or geographical location.
Tinubu's remarks were delivered through Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The President commended Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his efforts to reposition the force and acknowledged the sacrifices of officers battling insecurity across the country. He promised full support for the Police ahead of the general election, saying the Federal Government would continue to enhance the force's operational capacity, professionalism, welfare, and institutional effectiveness.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, explained that his administration's decision to host the retreat was shaped by the trauma of the April 5, 2021, attack on the Imo State Police Command Headquarters and the Owerri Custodial Centre. The attack resulted in the release of 1,844 inmates, and Uzodimma noted that security is not just an abstract subject, but a critical aspect of life that affects the rhythm of ordinary citizens. He emphasized that his administration has tied its security spending to its wider development agenda.
IGP Disu unveiled a six-point agenda to guide police deployment for the 2027 general election. The agenda includes early intelligence gathering, rigorous training, joint command with sister agencies, rapid communication, partnership with the public, and strict political neutrality. Disu directed that flashpoints and criminal networks be mapped immediately, with credible intelligence reaching commands in time for action. He also warned that any officer who takes sides, harasses voters, or colludes with political actors during the elections would be investigated and punished.
Disu emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. He noted that a polling unit where these citizens feel unsafe is a polling unit where the election has already failed. The IGP also raised concerns about election disinformation, directing that fake results, forged police statements, and inflammatory videos be monitored and countered swiftly.
The retreat, organized by Lenders Consult in collaboration with the Force Headquarters and other sponsors, provides a platform for senior police officers to discuss strategies for effective election security management. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Imo State Governor, and military and security chiefs. Disu tasked the retreat with producing a practical framework for training, deployment, and command structure, with a deadline of October 12 for a finished roadmap and an election-security taskforce.
On the Force's operational scorecard, Disu reported that police have arrested 1,643 suspects and rescued 1,066 kidnap victims since his assumption of office in February. He acknowledged that the figures offer little comfort to Nigerians still living under the threat of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and communal violence. Disu pledged improved welfare for officers and their families, noting that the retreat coincided with the International Day of Peace.
Key points
- President Tinubu emphasizes the importance of police impartiality ahead of the 2027 general election.
- IGP Disu unveils a six-point agenda to guide police deployment for the 2027 general election.
- The retreat aims to produce a practical framework for training, deployment, and command structure for effective election security management.
