The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring credible and secure elections, following a high-level meeting with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the Force Headquarters on Wednesday, brought together senior police officers and top INEC officials to develop a coordinated strategy for safeguarding upcoming elections, including the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle polls, bye-elections, and the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s delegation included National Commissioners from various regions, among them Professor Sanni Muhammed (North-Central), Mrs. Jamila Abubakar Malafa and Dr. Baba Bila (North-East), Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus (South-South), and Professor Kunle Ajayi (South-West).
Speaking during the engagement, Amupitan stressed the need for proactive security planning and specialized training for election personnel.
He highlighted the importance of guaranteeing safe participation for vulnerable groups, particularly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), to ensure inclusive electoral processes.
In his response, Disu described the visit as timely, noting that the police had already activated key security measures to address potential threats.
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These include intelligence-driven operations to curb political violence, cultism, and voter intimidation, as well as comprehensive plans for the secure movement of electoral materials and personnel.
The police chief also revealed that efforts were underway to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and counter the spread of misinformation during the election period.
Disu assured that officers deployed for election duties would operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act, adding that personnel are undergoing intensive training on rules of engagement and human rights protection.
He further emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, warning that any officer found compromising the integrity of the electoral process would face disciplinary action.
Reiterating the Force’s commitment to democratic stability, the IGP pledged full support to INEC and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible elections across the country.
