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From Stanley Uzoaru, Uzoaru
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force to ensure peaceful and secure 2027 General Elections.
President Tinubu gave the assurance on Monday, 21 September 2026, while declaring open the 6th Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, CARSPO 2026, in Owerri, Imo State.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President described the theme of the conference, “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” as timely and critical to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He stressed the need for professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations and effective inter-agency coordination during elections, and assured the Force of continued Federal Government support in training, technology, operational logistics, welfare and institutional reforms.
In his welcome address, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, expressed delight at hosting CARSPO for the fourth time, commending the Police leadership for sustaining the platform for strategic engagement and solutions to contemporary security challenges.
In his address, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, unveiled a six-pillar roadmap to guide the Force’s preparations for the 2027 elections. The pillars are: Strengthened intelligence and early-warning systems , intensive training and preparedness , joint command and inter-agency coordination , effective communication and deployment of technology , sustained community partnership and absolute neutrality .
The IGP noted that the opening of the conference coincided with the International Day of Peace, marked this year under the theme “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” adding that for the Police, investing in peace requires professionalism, public trust and proactive measures to prevent violence.
As part of deliberations, Disu directed Commissioners of Police to identify and map potential electoral flashpoints, criminal networks and emerging threats within their Commands, while strengthening early-warning systems and community-based intelligence.
He also announced that the Force will release an official public election complaints line on 12 October 2026, ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Police Chief reaffirmed the neutrality of the Force and warned against political violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying and other electoral offences. He warned that any officer found taking sides, harassing voters, colluding with political actors or abusing Police powers would be held accountable.
Dignitaries present at the opening ceremony included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Patrick Ndubueze; Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman, represented by Hon. Dibiagwu Eugene Okechukwu; Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Mrs Adigwe A. Nwamaka; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, represented by Major General O.A. Fadairo; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral S.D. Ibrahim; and Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), represented by DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd).
Former Inspectors-General of Police, IGP Mike Okiro and IGP Usman Alkali Baba, as well as the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, were also in attendance.
