By our Reporter
IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu
Inspector-General of Police, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring a secure and peaceful electoral process across the country.
Disu gave the assurance on Wednesday while hosting the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, and his delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting, which had in attendance members of the Force Management Team and top INEC officials, focused on strengthening collaboration and developing a strategic roadmap for peaceful elections ahead of the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship polls, forthcoming bye-elections, and the 2027 general elections.
Other INEC officials present included National Commissioners such as Sanni Muhammed, Jamila Abubakar Malafa, Baba Bila, Rhoda Gumus, and Kunle Ajayi.
In his remarks, Amupitan stressed the need for proactive security arrangements and specialised training for personnel involved in election duties. He also called for measures to guarantee that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) can participate in the electoral process without hindrance.
Responding, Disu described the visit as timely, noting that the police had already activated strategies to address emerging threats. These include intelligence-led operations to curb political violence, cultism, and voter intimidation, as well as plans to secure the movement of electoral materials and personnel.
He added that the Force is working closely with other security agencies to ensure seamless coordination and is also tackling misinformation that could undermine the credibility of elections.
The IGP assured that officers deployed for election duties would strictly adhere to the Constitution and the Electoral Act, with ongoing training focused on rules of engagement and human rights protection.
“As the lead agency in election security, we have zero tolerance for misconduct. Any officer found compromising the integrity of the electoral process will face disciplinary action,” he said.
Disu reiterated the police’s commitment to safeguarding all voters, particularly vulnerable groups, and called for stronger cooperation between INEC and relevant stakeholders to ensure credible and peaceful elections.
