The inspector-general of police, IGP Olatunji Disu has directed senior police officers to activate intelligence and early-warning systems, strengthen joint operations with other security agencies and ensure strict neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the directive in Owerri, Imo State, at the opening of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026), where he charged commissioners of police and other senior officers to prepare for the entire electoral cycle rather than waiting until election day.
He said the presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the governorship and state assembly elections scheduled for February 6, 2027, would require a coordinated security response to protect voters, electoral officials and materials.
According to him, the security of the elections would depend significantly on the preparedness and professionalism of police officers deployed across the country.
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force would not allow the approaching elections to distract it from ongoing efforts against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, communal violence and other crimes.
According to him, “Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and communal violence still cost Nigerians their lives and their peace of mind, and 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.”
