•Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, today declared that the Nigeria Police Force would maintain strict neutrality and professionalism in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the assurance in Abuja during his inaugural conference with strategic police managers following his assumption of office, reports The PUNCH.
Addressing senior officers, the IGP said the credibility of the 2027 polls and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy would depend largely on the conduct of the police as the lead agency in election security management.
He said, “As we approach the 2027 general elections, our responsibility to the nation becomes both heightened and non-negotiable.
“The police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in its decisions, professional in its conduct, and strictly neutral in all electoral engagements.”
He stated that the Force would secure the electoral process before, during and after the elections, protect democratic institutions, electoral officials, voters and critical infrastructure, and ensure Nigerians exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.
The IG warned that any officer found compromising neutrality or violating electoral laws would face swift disciplinary measures, including dismissal and prosecution where applicable.
“Let me state without ambiguity: there will be zero tolerance for partisanship, misconduct, or abuse of authority. Any officer found to have compromised neutrality, violated electoral laws, or acted outside approved rules of engagement will face swift and decisive disciplinary action, including prosecution where applicable. There will be no exceptions and no excuses,” he said.
Disu also stressed that crowd control and public order duties during the elections would be carried out with restraint and in line with human rights standards, noting that the use of force, where unavoidable, must be lawful, proportionate and accountable.
While pledging close coordination with the Armed Forces and other security and intelligence agencies, he maintained that the police would retain clear leadership and responsibility in election security operations.
Beyond the elections, the IG reiterated his commitment to internal reforms aimed at restoring public trust in the Force.
He condemned misconduct, corruption, extortion, unlawful arrest and abuse of power, describing such acts as intolerable under his leadership.
“The Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit, and the X-Squad will be empowered to operate decisively, independently, and without fear or favour in the investigation of misconduct, abuse of authority, corruption, or unprofessional conduct. No officer is above the law,” Disu added.
