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From Molly Kilete, Abuja, and Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Nigeria Police Force has ordered a nationwide crackdown on political thugs and their sponsors involved in the destruction of campaign billboards, posters and banners, warning that those found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted, while the Army has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of adequate security support and strict neutrality throughout the electoral process.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has consequently directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take proactive measures against the growing incidents of campaign vandalism, investigate reported cases and ensure that offenders, including individuals sponsoring or encouraging such acts, face the full weight of the law.
Similarly, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, has pledged that troops deployed to support election security operations would maintain professionalism, neutrality and a non-partisan posture, while working with other security agencies to create a conducive environment for the peaceful conduct of the polls.
The separate assurances by the two security institutions came yesterday amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with the police warning against political intimidation, intolerance and destruction of opponents’ campaign materials, while the military reaffirmed its commitment to supporting civil authorities and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, who disclosed the IGP’s directive in a statement, said the police had observed with serious concern the increasing incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to political parties and candidates across the country.
According to him, political differences, partisan loyalty or support for particular candidates do not confer on individuals or groups the right to destroy the campaign materials of their opponents or interfere with their legitimate political activities.
“The Nigeria Police Force has observed with serious concern the growing incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of political campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political parties across the country ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“The Force strongly condemns this act of political intolerance and warns political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers involved to desist immediately,” the statement read.
The police warned that individuals who recruit, finance, encourage or facilitate the destruction of political campaign materials would equally be held accountable where investigations establish their involvement, stressing that criminal responsibility would not be limited to those physically carrying out the acts.
“For the avoidance of doubt, destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign posters and billboards may constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable criminal laws (Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Sections 326 of the Penal Code Law, which defines the offence of mischief).
“Political differences or loyalty to a particular party do not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or infringe on their right to campaign freely.
“The Force reiterates that all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliation or status, are entitled to equal protection under the law. No individual or group has the right to determine whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed,” the police stated.
Iniedu said the IGP had mandated police commissioners nationwide to intensify preventive security operations, promptly investigate reported incidents and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to take proactive measures to prevent such acts, investigate reported incidents and ensure that persons found culpable are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate these criminal acts will equally be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement,” the statement added.
The Force urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others, warning that political competition must not degenerate into intimidation, violence or destruction of property.
“The Force calls on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others. Nigeria’s democratic process must not be undermined by political intolerance, intimidation or criminal conduct.
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“The Nigeria Police Force will not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness. Those who choose to break the law will face the full consequences of their actions.
“BE WARNED. RESPECT THE LAW. LET DEMOCRACY THRIVE,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has assured INEC of its readiness to provide the necessary security support for the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections, insisting that its personnel would remain professional, neutral and apolitical while discharging election-related responsibilities.
Major General Wase gave the assurance when the Acting State Electoral Commissioner, Abba Yahaya, paid him a courtesy visit at the Headquarters of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The GOC explained that the Army would concentrate on providing outer-perimeter security during the elections, while complementing the efforts of other security agencies in ensuring the safety of electoral officials, voters and communities.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions, noting that its years of experience in assisting civil authorities had strengthened its capacity to provide effective security support during elections and other national assignments.
According to him, the Division had put necessary security measures in place to ensure that all local government areas across Kaduna State remained accessible and safe for the smooth conduct of electoral activities.
Wase stressed that soldiers assigned election security responsibilities would be expected to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, particularly in their interactions with electoral officials, other security agencies and members of the public.
The GOC also urged INEC to intensify voter education and ensure that its ad hoc personnel were adequately informed about the respective responsibilities of security agencies deployed for election duties.
He maintained that a clear understanding of the roles of military personnel, police officers and other security operatives would enhance coordination, prevent operational misunderstandings and contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
Wase further emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between electoral authorities and security institutions, noting that effective communication, coordination and clearly defined responsibilities were necessary to address potential security challenges before and during the polls.
Earlier, Yahaya explained that his visit formed part of INEC’s ongoing consultations with critical stakeholders and security institutions aimed at strengthening cooperation and ensuring adequate preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He commended the existing working relationship between the Commission and security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, describing such collaboration as vital to the conduct of credible, peaceful and orderly elections.
The Acting Electoral Commissioner explained that ensuring the safety of electoral personnel, election materials and voters remained an important consideration in the Commission’s preparations, stressing the need for sustained cooperation to address possible threats to the electoral process.
He consequently called for stronger collaboration between INEC and the Army, particularly in ensuring a conducive security environment across communities where elections would be conducted.
Yahaya expressed appreciation to the GOC for the warm reception and acknowledged the Division’s commitment to supporting the Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, both during and beyond the electoral period.
He expressed confidence that continued engagement between INEC and security agencies would strengthen operational coordination and contribute to peaceful electoral activities across the state.
The Army’s position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi.
