The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has begun training 10000 officers on election security ahead of the 2027 general elections with Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu warning personnel against partisanship voter intimidation and other forms of electoral misconduct.
Disu who gave the directive at the opening of a five-day training programme on Thursday at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre Jabi Abuja said officers deployed for election duties must remain neutral professional and accountable.
He warned that any officer found compromising the neutrality of the Force would be held responsible stressing that the police must protect voters electoral officials and the integrity of the electoral process without fear or favour.
The training organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) is being conducted at designated centres across 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.
The programme covers election security management crowd control conflict prevention rules of engagement human rights intelligence gathering and lawful responses to election-related incidents.
The IGP also directed police commands to strengthen intelligence gathering operational planning and collaboration with other security agencies particularly in areas affected by terrorism banditry kidnapping and communal violence.
He warned political actors and their supporters against violence voter intimidation ballot-box snatching vote-buying and other electoral offences adding that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
To promote accountability Disu announced plans to establish a dedicated 24-hour complaints line through which members of the public could report misconduct by officers deployed for election duties.
He urged political parties candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns while calling on the media and civil society organisations to verify information before disseminating it to prevent the spread of misinformation capable of triggering violence.
The Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu disclosed these details in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
The statement quoted the IGP as emphasising the need for disciplined and impartial policing noting that the credibility of elections depends partly on the ability of security personnel to provide a safe environment for voters to exercise their rights.
Speaking at the event the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to strengthening police preparedness through training provision of operational equipment and improved mobility.
He said the initiative was designed to produce disciplined impartial and responsive officers capable of managing election-related security challenges.
The ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Sadiq Malaja (rtd.) representing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association Mr Afam O. Okeke; and representatives of the Chief of Army Staff Chief of Air Staff and Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Members of the Force Management Team and other senior police officers also attended the event.