President Bola Tinubu has warned the Nigeria Police Force to maintain its professionalism and impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that the police must not be seen as an instrument of any political interest. Tinubu gave the warning at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State.
The President's address was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. According to a statement issued by the SGF's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu stressed that every Nigerian must feel protected by the police, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, or geographical location.
Tinubu highlighted the importance of the police's neutrality and professionalism in maintaining public confidence and the credibility of Nigeria's democracy. He said the police must be seen as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order. The President also spoke on the theme of the conference, "Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections".
Tinubu noted that the 2027 elections would require careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations, and close coordination among security and electoral stakeholders. He assured the police that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support for the Force to effectively discharge its responsibilities. The President emphasized that securing the electoral process involved more than protecting ballot papers and polling stations.
The President 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 security threats.
Tinubu commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan 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 various crimes across the country, including officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
The President 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. He assured officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force that the Federal Government valued their sacrifices and remained committed to supporting them.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu warns Nigeria Police Force against partisan conduct ahead of 2027 general elections.
- Tinubu emphasizes the importance of police neutrality and professionalism in maintaining public confidence and credibility of Nigeria's democracy.
- The President reaffirms the Federal Government's commitment to police reforms and sustained investment in personnel, training, and technology.
