The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, Morris Dankombo, has warned political actors against violence, misinformation and inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dankombo issued the warning on Tuesday in Lafia during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Nasarawa State Police Command and other critical stakeholders as part of his familiarisation tour of the state.
The AIG urged political party leaders and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to threaten lives and property.
“As we approach the election season, I wish to appeal to all the political party chairmen and political leaders to continue to strive for peace and ensure that their political activities are conducted responsibly and peacefully,” he said.
Dankombo particularly cautioned against misinformation, inflammatory religious rhetoric and tribal comments capable of creating tension, division and conflict.
He said the Nigeria Police Force had a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property and maintain law and order, assuring that the police would not allow Nasarawa State to become a battleground for political actors or their supporters.
The AIG encouraged political parties to embrace dialogue, respect the rule of law and pursue their interests without compromising peace and security.
He also said the police would strengthen community policing, intelligence gathering and stakeholder engagement to identify and address emerging security threats before they escalate.
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Dankombo urged traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, traders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to provide credible and timely information about suspicious activities to the police.
He noted that effective policing required public participation and cooperation, adding that the police could not be everywhere at all times.
Earlier, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shetima, described the visit as timely as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
Shetima assured political parties and candidates of a level playing field, saying the command would uphold neutrality, professionalism, impartiality and respect for the rule of law.
He urged political stakeholders to educate their supporters to reject violence, thuggery, hate speech and misinformation before, during and after the elections.
The commissioner also directed police personnel to maintain professionalism and impartiality at polling units, campaign grounds, rallies, processions and other election-related locations.
He said the command would collaborate with sister security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, traditional institutions, the Police Community Relations Committee and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible elections in 2027.