The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring peaceful, secure, and credible elections across the country ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
Disu gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, and members of his delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between INEC and the police as preparations intensify for the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections, pending by-elections, and the 2027 general elections.
Also present at the meeting were members of the Force Management Team, senior police officers, and several INEC national commissioners, including representatives from the North-Central, North-East, South-South, and South-West regions.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Amupitan stressed the need for proactive security strategies and specialised training for personnel involved in election duties.
He particularly emphasised the importance of providing a safe environment for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs), ensuring they can participate freely in the electoral process without intimidation or obstacles.
The INEC chairman noted that collaboration between security agencies and the electoral commission remains critical to the success of future elections.
Responding, the Inspector-General of Police described the engagement as timely and important for safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
Disu disclosed that the police had already activated strategic measures aimed at addressing election-related security threats across the country.
According to him, the measures include intelligence mapping to identify and neutralise threats such as political violence, cult activities, and voter intimidation, as well as improved security arrangements for the movement of electoral materials and personnel.
He also highlighted plans for closer coordination with other security agencies and strategies to tackle misinformation and fake news capable of undermining the electoral process.
The police chief assured INEC that officers deployed for election duties would operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
He added that personnel were undergoing intensive training on election security management, human rights protection, and professional conduct.
“As the lead agency in election security management, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to maintaining public order and ensuring zero tolerance for professional misconduct,” Disu said.
He warned that any officer found compromising the integrity of the electoral process or engaging in unethical conduct would face disciplinary action in line with the law.
The IGP further reiterated the police force’s commitment to protecting all eligible voters, particularly vulnerable groups such as IDPs and PWDs, throughout the electoral process.
He also called for stronger cooperation between INEC, security agencies, and other stakeholders to guarantee peaceful and transparent elections across the country.
