The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to delivering secure and credible elections following a high-level meeting with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The strategic engagement, held on May 6, 2026, brought together members of the Force Management Team and top officials of the electoral body (INEC) to formalise a comprehensive security roadmap ahead of key electoral activities, including the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections, forthcoming bye-elections, and the 2027 general elections.
Also present at the meeting were senior INEC officials, including National Commissioners such as Sanni Muhammed, Jamila Abubakar Malafa, Baba Bila, Rhoda Gumus, and Kunle Ajayi, alongside senior police officers.
Discussions centred on strengthening the nation’s electoral security architecture, particularly in light of prevailing security challenges and the need to guarantee peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections.
In his remarks, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan underscored the urgency of proactive security planning and specialised training for personnel involved in election duties. He stressed the importance of creating a safe voting environment for vulnerable groups, including Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Living with Disabilities, to enable them exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or restriction.
Responding, IGP Disu described the meeting as timely and critical to sustaining democratic stability in Nigeria. He revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has already activated a series of strategic measures aimed at preventing electoral violence and safeguarding the integrity of the voting process.
These measures include precision intelligence mapping to identify and neutralise threats such as political violence, cult-related activities, and voter intimidation.
The police chief also highlighted plans for secure movement of electoral materials and personnel, enhanced coordination with other security agencies, and a strengthened approach to countering misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
IGP Disu further assured that all officers deployed for election duties would operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, with a strong emphasis on professionalism and respect for human rights. He noted that personnel are undergoing intensive training on rules of engagement to ensure discipline and accountability throughout the electoral cycle.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, the Inspector-General warned that any officer found compromising the credibility of the process would face strict disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
In his closing remarks, the police chief pledged the full support of the Nigeria Police Force to INEC and called for seamless collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure successful and credible elections.
The meeting signals a renewed commitment by both institutions to strengthen electoral integrity, protect voters, and uphold democratic values across the country.
By Folake Sokoya
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