IGP Disu Unveils Six-Pillar Strategy for 2027 Election Security
...As President Tinubu Tasks Police on Professionalism, Neutrality Ahead of Polls
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has unveiled a six-pillar strategy for the Force’s election-security roadmap.
The pillars include strengthened intelligence and early-warning systems; intensive training and preparedness; joint command and inter-agency coordination; effective communication and deployment of technology; sustained community partnership; and absolute neutrality.
IGP Disu disclosed this during his address at the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Owerri, Imo State, on Monday, September 21, 2026.
He noted that the opening ceremony coincided with the International Day of Peace, observed under the 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The IGP stressed that, for the police, investing in peace requires professionalism, public trust, and proactive measures to prevent violence before it occurs.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, President Bola Tinubu declared the programme open, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force towards peaceful and secure 2027 general elections.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu described the conference, themed “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” as timely, stressing the need for professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations, and effective inter-agency coordination.
He assured the Force of continued Federal Government support in the areas of training, technology, operational logistics, welfare, and institutional reforms.
In his remarks, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, welcomed the participants and expressed delight at hosting the Conference and Retreat for the fourth time.
Uzodimma commended the NPF for sustaining the platform for strategic engagement and the development of solutions to contemporary security challenges.
As part of the conference deliberations, Commissioners of Police are expected to identify and map potential electoral flashpoints, criminal networks, and other emerging threats within their respective Commands, while strengthening early-warning systems and community-based intelligence ahead of the elections.
IGP Disu also announced that the Force would release an official public election complaints line on October 12, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He reaffirmed the neutrality of the Force and warned against political violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying, and other electoral offences.
The police boss emphasised that any officer found taking sides, harassing voters, colluding with political actors or abusing police powers would be held accountable.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to professional, neutral, and intelligence-led policing, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and sustained community engagement towards providing a safe and secure environment for Nigerians to exercise their electoral rights during the 2027 general elections.
Dignitaries present at the opening ceremony included the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and members of the Imo State Executive Council; the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Patrick Ndubueze; the Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Dr. Abubakar Makki Yalleman, represented by Hon. Dibiagwu Eugene Okechukwu; and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Mrs. Adigwe A. Nwamaka, among others.
