IGP Disu Warns Police Officers to Stay Neutral in 2027 Elections
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned officers of the Nigeria Police Force against allowing politicians to influence their conduct or use them to pursue partisan interests ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Disu gave the warning on Wednesday during the monthly conference with senior strategic officers of the Force at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He directed personnel to maintain political neutrality and ensure that all candidates, political parties, supporters and eligible voters receive equal protection, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The IGP cautioned that officers who use their positions to promote the interests of political actors, facilitate violence, manipulate electoral activities or violate voters’ rights would face disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a tool for any politician, any party or any interest. If you allow yourself to be used, you will face the consequences alone,” he said.
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to impartiality, Disu said its allegiance remained with the Nigerian Constitution and the people, adding that its responsibility was to provide a secure environment for everyone participating in the electoral process.
He also warned against any form of collaboration between police personnel and political actors that could undermine the credibility of the elections.
As part of preparations for the exercise, the police chief announced the immediate cancellation of leave for all personnel assigned to election-related duties.
He further directed Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain within their respective commands until the electoral process is concluded. Officers seeking to travel outside their areas of responsibility must obtain express approval from Force Headquarters.
Disu also ordered police commands nationwide to conduct immediate assessments of their operational capacity, including the availability of security equipment, communication facilities, patrol vehicles and protective gear.
He directed that the assessments be completed and reports submitted to Force Headquarters before the end of the week.
On inter-agency cooperation, the IGP instructed Commissioners of Police to strengthen coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in their respective states.
He reminded officers that the police remained the lead agency responsible for election security and urged them to avoid unnecessary competition or disagreements with other security organisations.
“We are the lead agency for election security, and we must lead by example, not by rivalry or friction,” he stated.
To strengthen operational monitoring, Disu directed all police commands to submit daily situation reports to Force Headquarters throughout the electoral period.
He assigned the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the reports and provide him with daily briefings every morning.
The IGP reiterated that misconduct by police personnel during the elections would attract disciplinary action, stressing that officers must uphold professionalism, discipline and impartiality before, during and after the electoral exercise.
