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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other ad hoc personnel engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of adequate security before, during and after the 2027 general elections, warning political actors that hate speech, incitement and other acts capable of triggering electoral violence would attract decisive action.
The police disclosed that an extensive threat assessment had been conducted ahead of the elections, while the Inspector-General of Police had directed increased security deployments and the immediate distribution of operational equipment and logistics to strengthen preparations nationwide.
Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, gave the assurance at a joint security press conference involving spokespersons of defence, security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies in Abuja.
He said the renewed emphasis on protecting electoral personnel followed recent abductions of corps members, which had heightened concerns about the safety of young Nigerians deployed for national assignments.
According to him, corps members constitute a significant proportion of INEC’s ad hoc workforce and must be adequately protected against kidnapping, intimidation and other threats associated with election duties.
“In every election cycle, there are potential threats to soft targets. However, as other targets become increasingly fortified, criminals may attempt to exploit perceived vulnerabilities elsewhere,” he said.
“The Nigeria Police Force has conducted an extensive threat assessment ahead of the forthcoming general elections, and we are adequately preparing for the challenges.”
Iniedu explained that the police were working closely with INEC and other security agencies through established inter-agency arrangements to identify vulnerabilities and provide appropriate protection for electoral personnel.
He recalled that similar engagements were undertaken during the Osun State election, when the police interacted with corps members, their parents and other stakeholders to address concerns about their safety.
“During the Osun State election, for instance, we engaged corps members, their parents and other stakeholders and assured them of our commitment to providing adequate security for all ad hoc personnel. The forthcoming general election will not be an exception,” he stated.
“We are working closely with sister security agencies through the established inter-agency security arrangements. We are also engaging the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure adequate protection for corps members and other ad hoc personnel involved in the electoral process.”
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The police spokesman disclosed that additional personnel and equipment would be deployed as part of the security arrangements for the elections.
“We are increasing deployments, while the Inspector-General of Police has directed that the distribution of operational equipment and logistics should commence immediately,” he said.
Reassuring corps members and other young Nigerians participating in the electoral process, Iniedu said their safety remained a priority for the police.
“I want to assure members of the public, particularly corps members and young Nigerians participating in the electoral process, that their safety remains a priority for the Nigeria Police Force.
“We will do everything within our capacity to ensure that those assisting in the democratic process are adequately protected,” he said.
The police also issued a warning to political actors against hate speech, inflammatory statements and incitement capable of undermining public peace during the electioneering period.
Iniedu disclosed that about 11 reported cases of hate speech had been documented, with actions taken in response, while the Inspector-General had directed Commissioners of Police across the country to ensure the arrest and prosecution of persons involved in criminal incitement.
“Hate speech and incitement are criminal offences. The Inspector-General of Police has directed all Commissioners of Police to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in such acts,” he declared.
He said the police would no longer tolerate conduct capable of provoking political violence or threatening national stability.
The spokesman added that complaint channels had been established to enable members of the public to report instances in which Commissioners of Police failed to take appropriate action against offenders.
“We will be taking decisive action against offenders. We have also established complaint channels to ensure that where a Commissioner of Police fails to take appropriate action, such failures can be reported and addressed,” he said.
