The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has sealed a strategic security partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) aimed at ensuring peaceful, credible, and violence-free elections across the country.
Disu made the pledge on Wednesday while hosting the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), and his delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where both institutions aligned on a comprehensive roadmap for election security ahead of the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle polls, forthcoming bye-elections, and the 2027 general elections.
The high-level meeting, attended by the Force Management Team and senior INEC officials, including National Commissioners from across the geopolitical zones, focused on strengthening the nation’s electoral security framework in the face of evolving threats.
In his remarks, Amupitan underscored the urgency of proactive security deployment and specialised training for election personnel. He stressed the need to guarantee a safe and inclusive voting environment, particularly for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or hindrance.
Responding, the IGP described the engagement as timely and critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic stability. He disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force has already activated a series of strategic measures, including intelligence-driven mapping to neutralise political violence, cult-related activities, and voter intimidation.
He further revealed plans for the secure movement of electoral materials and personnel, enhanced coordination with other security agencies for a unified operational front, and intensified efforts to counter misinformation capable of undermining the electoral process.
Disu assured that all officers deployed for election duties would operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, noting that personnel are currently undergoing rigorous training on rules of engagement and human rights protection.
Reaffirming the police’s leadership role in election security, the IGP emphasised a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, warning that any officer found compromising the integrity of the process would face disciplinary action in line with the law.
He reiterated the Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order before, during, and after elections, with particular attention to protecting vulnerable groups, including IDPs and PWDs.
The police chief also called for sustained collaboration between INEC, security agencies, and other stakeholders, stressing that collective effort remains key to delivering credible elections and ensuring a smooth democratic transition in Nigeria.
