2027 election: Police train officers as IGP tasks personnel on neutrality

The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, in partnership with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, NPTF, has completed the first phase of a nationwide election security management training programme designed to prepare 10,000 police officers for electoral duties.

The initial phase of the training covered 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of security personnel to manage election-related challenges.

At the commencement of the exercise, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urged officers assigned to election duties to maintain neutrality, professionalism and accountability throughout the electoral process.

Disu stressed that police personnel must protect voters, electoral officials and the entire electoral process without discrimination, intimidation or favouritism.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that every Nigerian can exercise their constitutional right to vote in a safe and secure environment.

The training programme exposed participants to key areas of election security, including electoral laws, security management, strategic communication, intelligence-led operations, threat assessment and the statutory duties of the Police.

It also focused on the need for officers to operate within the confines of the law, demonstrate impartiality and strengthen cooperation with other security and relevant agencies.

The initiative is part of preparations to improve police readiness for future electoral assignments, particularly ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, the course representative expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for providing the opportunity to improve their professional knowledge and operational capabilities.

He also commended the facilitators for delivering sessions that combined professional experience with practical approaches to addressing election security challenges.

The representative assured the police leadership that participants would apply the knowledge acquired in their various commands and formations to safeguard voters’ rights and protect the credibility of the electoral process.

He further pledged that the officers would share the lessons from the programme with their colleagues to promote consistency and professionalism in election security operations across the country.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to continuous capacity development, intelligence-driven security planning and stronger collaboration with relevant agencies.

The Force said these efforts remain essential to creating a peaceful and secure atmosphere in which Nigerians can freely participate in elections and exercise their democratic rights.