Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has unveiled a six-point security roadmap for the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the 2027 general elections, while revealing that the Force has arrested 1,643 suspects and rescued 1,066 kidnap victims since he assumed office in February.
Disu announced the election security framework on Monday at the opening of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Owerri, Imo State.
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The conference, themed “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Election Security,” brought together senior police officers and key security stakeholders to develop strategies for securing the 2027 elections.
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Disu unveils Six-Point election security roadmap
The IGP said the police election security strategy would focus on six key areas: early intelligence gathering, rigorous training, joint command with sister agencies, rapid communication, partnership with the public, and strict political neutrality.
He directed police commands to immediately identify electoral flashpoints and criminal networks capable of disrupting the electoral process.
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According to Disu, credible intelligence must reach relevant commands early enough to enable officers to respond before threats escalate.
He also stressed the need to make polling units safe for all categories of voters, particularly vulnerable groups.
“A polling unit where these citizens feel unsafe is a polling unit where the election has already failed,” Disu said, referring to women, elderly voters and persons with disabilities.
Police Officers to receive special election training
The IGP said officers deployed for election duties would undergo specialised training covering crowd management, protection of electoral materials and personnel, and human-rights-compliant policing.
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He also directed the Force to conduct joint exercises with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies.
The exercises are expected to clarify command structures and responsibilities before election-related incidents occur.
Disu said effective coordination would be critical because election security involves multiple institutions working simultaneously across different locations.
Police to tackle election disinformation
The IGP also identified online disinformation as an emerging threat to election security.
He directed police authorities to monitor and respond quickly to fake election results, forged police statements and inflammatory videos capable of triggering violence.
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According to him, individuals who use online platforms to incite violence would face prosecution.
The directive comes as social media continues to play a major role in how voters receive election-related information, making the rapid verification and communication of official information increasingly important.
Disu warns officers against political bias
Disu issued a strong warning to police officers against taking sides during the 2027 elections.
He said officers who harass voters, collaborate with political actors or compromise their neutrality would be investigated and sanctioned.
The IGP also directed all Commissioners of Police to publish official contact numbers to improve communication between the police and members of the public.
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The measure, he said, would give citizens a direct channel to report security concerns and election-related incidents.
Osun Election Lessons to Shape 2027 Strategy
Disu said the Force would review its experience from the recent Osun State governorship election as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
While describing the election as largely peaceful, he acknowledged isolated cases of voter intimidation and inducement.
He consequently ordered a review of the police response, particularly its intelligence gathering, reaction time and training gaps.
The findings are expected to form part of the broader election security framework.
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IGP Sets October 12 Deadline for Roadmap
Disu tasked participants at the retreat with producing a practical framework covering police training, deployment and command structures for the 2027 elections.
He warned that the outcome of the conference must translate into action rather than become another policy document.
“It must not become another document on a shelf,” the IGP said.
He set October 12 as the deadline for completing the roadmap and establishing the election-security taskforce.
Disu ended his address with a call for officers to remain:
“Neutral. Prepared. Present. Accountable.”
Police Arrest 1,643 Suspects, Rescue 1,066 Kidnap Victims
Beyond preparations for the 2027 elections, Disu presented an eight-month operational scorecard of the Nigeria Police Force.
He said police operations since he assumed office in February had resulted in the arrest of 1,643 suspects and the rescue of 1,066 kidnap victims.
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The arrests included: 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, 343 murder suspects, 566 armed robbery suspects, 483 suspected cultists.
Police operations also resulted in the recovery of 947 firearms and more than 22,000 rounds of ammunition, according to the IGP.
Despite the figures, Disu acknowledged that statistics alone would not ease the concerns of Nigerians affected by insecurity.
“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,” he said.
Disu also paid tribute to police officers who lost their lives while serving the country.
He pledged improved welfare for serving personnel and the families of officers who died in the line of duty.
The retreat coincided with the International Day of Peace, observed globally under the theme “Invest in Peace — For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The IGP linked the occasion to the wider responsibility of security institutions to protect lives and create an environment where citizens can live and participate in civic activities without fear.
Tinubu, Uzodimma, Security Chiefs Attend Owerri Retreat
The opening ceremony took place at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri.
Those in attendance included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, representing President Bola Tinubu; Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma; a representative of the Senate President; military and security chiefs; and captains of industry.
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CARSPO is organised annually by Lenders Consult, in collaboration with the Force Headquarters and other sponsors.
The conference provides a platform for police management and security stakeholders to examine policing challenges and develop strategies for more effective and accountable security operations.
Disu thanked Governor Uzodimma for hosting the sixth edition of the retreat and commended Lenders Consult Nigeria Limited for its support.
He also acknowledged President Tinubu’s support for the Force through improved welfare, equipment, recruitment and funding.
