The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), has commenced the training of 10,000 police officers nationwide on election security management ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has charged personnel to maintain neutrality, professionalism and accountability throughout the electoral process, warning that officers who compromise the impartiality of the Force will be held responsible.
The five-day training programme was formally declared open on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja. It is being conducted across designated centres, with the first phase involving officers from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative is designed to establish uniform operational standards for officers ahead of their nationwide deployment for the 2027 elections.
Police Focus on Election Security and Human Rights
The training covers election security management, crowd control, conflict prevention, rules of engagement, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful responses to election-related incidents.
Addressing participants, Disu stressed that security is fundamental to credible elections, noting that officers deployed for election duties must protect voters, electoral officials and the electoral process without fear or favour.
He directed police commands to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational planning and inter-agency coordination, particularly in areas affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.
The IGP also emphasised the need for personnel to uphold professional standards and respect the rights of citizens while carrying out their electoral responsibilities.
IGP Warns Against Electoral Violence, Misconduct
Disu warned against political violence, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching, vote-buying and other electoral offences, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
To strengthen public accountability, the police chief announced that a dedicated 24-hour complaints line would be made available for members of the public to report misconduct by officers deployed for election duties.
He also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns, while encouraging the media and civil society organisations to verify information before disseminating it.
The directive comes as the police intensify preparations to provide security for voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders during the 2027 general elections.
Police Trust Fund Reaffirms Support
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, operational equipment and mobility support.
Sheidu said the initiative was aimed at producing officers who are disciplined, impartial and responsive throughout the electoral process.
The collaboration between the NPF and the NPTF is expected to improve officers’ capacity to manage election-related security challenges and respond effectively to incidents that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the polls.
Security Agencies, INEC and NBA Representatives Attend
The ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Sadiq Malaja, mni, OFR (Rtd.), representing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Mr Afam O. Okeke, General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); and Brigadier General J.A. Ifeanyi, representing the Chief of Army Staff.
Other attendees included Group Captain Yakubu Yusuf, representing the Chief of Air Staff; DCG Zakari Ibrahim, representing the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund; members of the Force Management Team; and other senior police officers.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to sustained training, intelligence-led planning, inter-agency collaboration and professional, neutral policing to provide a safe and secure environment for Nigerians to exercise their electoral rights during the 2027 general elections.
Share this
