…Warns Against Political Interference, Orders Readiness Checks On Election Security Equipment
Ayomide Awe
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has cancelled leave for police personnel assigned to election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections and restricted the movement of senior officers as part of measures to strengthen security arrangements for the polls.
Disu also directed commissioners of police and other senior officers to remain within their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process, warning that any movement outside their areas of responsibility must receive express approval from the Force Headquarters.
The police chief gave the directives on Wednesday during a strategic conference with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
He said the cancellation of leave for personnel deployed for election security duties took immediate effect, stressing that the force must maintain adequate operational strength throughout the electoral period.
“All leave is cancelled for officers and men deployed for election security duties, effective immediately,” Disu said.
He further warned commissioners of police and other senior officers against leaving their commands without authorisation from the Force Headquarters.
“All Commissioners of Police and senior officers are to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process. Any travel outside your command requires express approval from Force Headquarters,” he added.
As part of preparations for the elections, the IGP directed state police commands to conduct comprehensive assessments of their operational capacity, including the availability and functionality of election security equipment, communication facilities, operational vehicles and protective gear.
He ordered the commissioners to submit reports on the state of their preparedness to the Force Headquarters before the end of the week.
The police boss also directed commands to establish effective coordination and communication channels with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure a coordinated security response before, during and after the elections.
Warns Officers Against Political Manipulation
Disu issued a stern warning to police personnel against allowing politicians and their supporters to compromise the electoral process, facilitate political thuggery or interfere with the rights of voters.
He maintained that the Nigeria Police Force must remain politically neutral and provide equal security protection to all candidates, political parties, their supporters and eligible voters, irrespective of political affiliation.
The IGP warned that officers who misuse their authority to advance the interests of political parties or candidates would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
“I will not tolerate any officer using the authority of the police to advance the interest of any political party, candidate or sponsor,” he said.
He added that officers found colluding with political actors, facilitating violence or undermining the credibility of the electoral process would be held accountable.
“Any officer found to be colluding with political actors, facilitating thuggery, compromising the integrity of the electoral process or interfering with the rights of voters will be disciplined according to the law,” Disu warned.
Emphasising the need for professionalism, the police chief cautioned personnel against becoming instruments in the hands of politicians, insisting that the force must protect the integrity of the elections rather than serve partisan interests.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a tool for any politician, any party or any interest. If you allow yourself to be used, you will face the consequences alone.
“Protect the process, protect the people, and protect your own career and reputation. Do not be used,” he said.
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