2027 Polls: IGP Orders Police To Stay Neutral, Ready And Accountable

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Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has unveiled a six-point security roadmap to guide police preparations and deployment for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Disu announced the plan on Monday at the opening of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, CARSPO, in Owerri, Imo State.

The conference, themed “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Election Security,” is expected to produce a practical framework for election-security training, deployment and command.

The IGP said the roadmap would focus on early intelligence gathering, rigorous training, joint command with sister security agencies, rapid communication, partnership with the public and strict political neutrality.

He directed the immediate mapping of electoral flashpoints and criminal networks, stressing that credible intelligence must reach police commands early enough for preventive action.

Disu also ordered specialised training for officers in crowd management, protection of electoral materials and personnel, and human-rights-compliant policing.

He called for joint exercises involving the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other security agencies to establish clear lines of command before incidents occur.

The IGP expressed concern over election-related disinformation and directed the police to monitor and swiftly counter fake results, forged police statements and inflammatory videos.

He warned that persons who use online platforms to incite violence would face prosecution.

Disu, who cited lessons from the recent Osun State governorship election, ordered a review of police intelligence, response time and training gaps.

He also warned that officers who take sides, harass voters or collude with political actors during the elections would be investigated and punished.

The IGP directed all Commissioners of Police to publish official contact numbers to enable members of the public to communicate directly with the police.

He tasked the retreat with producing the final election-security roadmap and establishing an election-security taskforce by October 12.

Disu warned that the outcome must not become “another document on a shelf.”

He ended his address by charging officers to remain “Neutral. Prepared. Present. Accountable.”

Meanwhile, Disu disclosed that the police had arrested 1,643 suspects and rescued 1,066 kidnap victims since he assumed office in February.

He said those arrested included 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, 343 murder suspects, 566 armed robbery suspects and 483 suspected cultists.

The Force also recovered 947 firearms and more than 22,000 rounds of ammunition during the period.

Disu, however, acknowledged that the figures would provide little comfort to Nigerians still affected by kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and communal violence.

“Numbers do not console a grieving family. We will not slow down on these threats because an election is coming. We will fight them and secure the elections at the same time,” he said.

The IGP paid tribute to police officers who died in the line of duty and pledged improved welfare for their families and serving personnel.

The opening ceremony, held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri, was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, representing President Bola Tinubu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; a representative of the Senate President; military and security chiefs; and captains of industry.

CARSPO is organised annually by Lenders Consult in collaboration with Force Headquarters and other sponsors to provide a platform for police management and security stakeholders to develop strategies for effective and accountable policing.

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