The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned officers against engaging in partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force must uphold political neutrality and remain committed to the Constitution.
Disu issued the warning on Wednesday during the monthly meeting of the Goodluck Ebele Peacekeeping Centre, attended by senior officers, including Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police.
He stressed that the police must guarantee a peaceful and secure electoral environment for all participants, regardless of their political affiliations.
The IGP warned that officers would not be allowed to deploy their positions or the authority of the Force in favour of political parties, candidates or their sponsors.
He said any personnel found working with politicians, supporting political thuggery, manipulating the electoral process or violating voters’ rights would face disciplinary measures under the law.
“As we approach another important electoral period, I wish to emphasise that it is our responsibility to guarantee a safe and secure environment for all electoral participants, irrespective of their political affiliation.
“Every candidate, political party, supporter and eligible voter is entitled to equal protection under the law,” he said.
To strengthen preparations for the elections, Disu directed Commissioners of Police across the country to begin detailed security arrangements within their respective jurisdictions.
He ordered the withdrawal of leave privileges for officers assigned to election security duties and instructed senior commanders to remain in their commands until the electoral exercise was concluded.
According to him, any movement outside their areas of responsibility must receive prior approval from Force Headquarters.
He also directed police commands to inspect their operational vehicles, communication equipment, protective gear and other election security resources, with reports on their preparedness due by the end of the week.
The IGP further instructed Commissioners of Police to establish effective working relationships with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the military, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in their respective states.
He maintained that the police remained the lead agency responsible for election security and must ensure proper coordination with other security organisations.
Disu also mandated all commands to forward daily security situation reports to Force Headquarters throughout the election period. The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations will coordinate the reports and brief him every morning.
He emphasised the importance of proper training, supervision and equipment for personnel, disclosing that the Force had introduced several election security training programmes, including a recent nationwide exercise supported by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a tool for any politician, any party or any interest. If you allow yourself to be used, you will face the consequences alone,” he warned.
On the Force’s security operations, Disu revealed that police operatives had arrested 218 suspects linked to banditry and terrorism, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 persons accused of murder and culpable homicide, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists since the previous conference.
He added that 95 kidnapped victims had been rescued, while 306 firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition of different calibres and 116 stolen vehicles were recovered.
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Despite these achievements, the police chief acknowledged that bandit attacks persisted in some parts of the country, threatening the safety and economic activities of affected communities.
He consequently gave Commissioners of Police in the affected states 72 hours to submit fresh security assessments and outline the operational resources required to address the threats.
He also ordered more intelligence-driven operations and directed commands to maintain permanent security plans for identified high-risk locations.
To improve intelligence gathering, Disu urged police formations to strengthen relationships with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups in affected communities.
He assigned the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the urgent deployment of additional personnel, operational vehicles and air support to the worst-hit areas, in consultation with the relevant commands.
Addressing police accountability, the IGP warned officers against bribery, extortion, misuse of authority, excessive force and other forms of professional misconduct.
He directed all commands to establish accessible channels through which members of the public could report complaints, stressing that allegations against officers must be properly recorded, investigated and resolved within stipulated periods.
He also encouraged senior officers to maintain open and regular communication with journalists, particularly during the election period, when misinformation and fake news could damage public trust.
On personnel welfare, Disu urged Commissioners of Police to prioritise the physical and mental well-being of officers, including providing adequate support for those experiencing operational stress.
He announced plans for a welfare assessment across police commands to identify unpaid entitlements, inadequate accommodation and other outstanding needs. The findings are expected to reach his office within 30 days.
The police chief also praised personnel whose dedication and professionalism had contributed to the Force’s operational achievements.
He honoured officers who had died in the line of duty since the last conference, describing their sacrifices as central to the successes recorded by the police.
Disu disclosed that he had ordered the immediate settlement of outstanding death benefits and other entitlements owed to the families of deceased officers.
He further instructed Commissioners of Police to personally examine pending cases involving the families of fallen personnel and establish their current status.
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s continued support for the police, the IGP urged senior officers to return to their respective commands with renewed commitment to effective supervision, discipline and measurable performance.
He stressed that the Force must guarantee the opening of every polling unit, protect eligible voters’ right to cast their ballots and provide adequate security for communities facing threats.
He reiterated that all officers must perform their duties with integrity, professionalism and respect for the law.