The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), has commenced the training of 10,000 police officers nationwide on election security management ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, charged officers to maintain neutrality, professionalism and accountability throughout the electoral process, warning that any personnel found compromising the impartiality of the Force would be held accountable.
The five-day training programme was formally inaugurated at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
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The first phase involves officers from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the exercise expected to establish uniform operational standards ahead of nationwide deployment.
The training covers election security management, crowd control, conflict prevention, rules of engagement, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful responses to election-related incidents.
Security
Addressing participants, Disu described security as the foundation of credible elections, stressing that officers deployed for electoral duties must protect voters, electoral officials and the integrity of the process without fear or favour.
He directed police commands to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational planning and inter-agency collaboration, particularly in areas affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.
The IGP also warned against political violence, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching, vote-buying and other electoral offences, noting that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
As part of measures to promote accountability, Disu announced plans for a dedicated 24-hour complaints line through which members of the public could report misconduct by police personnel deployed for election duties.
He further urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns, while encouraging the media and civil society organisations to verify information before dissemination.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to strengthening police preparedness through training, operational equipment and mobility support.
Sheidu said the initiative was aimed at producing disciplined, impartial and responsive officers capable of effectively managing election security challenges.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, alongside members of the Force Management Team and other senior police officers.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to sustained training, intelligence-led planning, inter-agency collaboration and professional policing to ensure a safe and secure environment for Nigerians to exercise their electoral rights during the 2027 General Election.
