Cross section of the police in training Photo: NPF
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the training of 10,000 police officers nationwide on election security management ahead of the 2027 General Elections, with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, charging personnel to remain neutral, professional and accountable throughout the electoral process.
In a statement by the Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Thursday, the five-day training programme, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund , was formally declared open on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The training, which is being conducted across designated centres, covers election security management, crowd control, conflict prevention, rules of engagement, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful responses to election-related incidents.
The first phase involves officers from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the programme designed to establish uniform operational standards ahead of their deployment for election duties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Disu emphasised the importance of professional and impartial policing in ensuring credible elections, noting that security personnel have a critical role to play in protecting voters, electoral officials and the integrity of the electoral process.
According to the IG, “Security is the foundation of a credible election,” stressing that officers deployed for election duties must discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour.
He warned that any police officer found compromising the neutrality of the Force would be held accountable, while directing commands to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational planning and inter-agency collaboration.
Disu also highlighted the need for heightened security measures in areas affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence, urging personnel to remain vigilant and respond professionally to emerging threats.
The police chief further warned against political violence, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching, vote-buying and other electoral offences, declaring that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also announced plans to establish a dedicated 24-hour complaints line through which members of the public could report misconduct by police personnel deployed for election duties.
The IG urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns, while encouraging the media and civil society organisations to verify information before disseminating it to the public.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting police preparedness through training, operational equipment and mobility.
Sheidu said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that officers deployed for election duties were adequately prepared to perform their responsibilities with discipline, impartiality and professionalism.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of key security and electoral institutions, including Rear Admiral Sadiq Malaja (rtd.), representing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Afam O. Okeke, General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association; and Brigadier General J.A. Ifeanyi, representing the Chief of Army Staff.
Other dignitaries included Group Captain Yakubu Yusuf, representing the Chief of Air Staff; Deputy Comptroller-General Zakari Ibrahim, representing the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; and members of the Force Management Team, alongside other senior police officers.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to sustained training, intelligence-led planning, inter-agency cooperation and professional policing to provide a safe environment for Nigerians to exercise their electoral rights during the 2027 General Elections.