Police Begin Training of 10,000 Officers on Election Security Ahead of 2027 General Elections
Police Begin Training of 10,000 Officers on Election Security Ahead of 2027 General Elections
Police Begin Training of 10,000 Officers on Election Security Ahead of 2027 General Elections
The Nigeria Police Force, 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 Elections.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has charged officers to remain neutral, professional and accountable throughout the electoral process, warning that any personnel found compromising the neutrality of the Force would be held accountable.
The five-day training programme was formally declared open on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja. It is being conducted across designated centres, with the first phase involving officers from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The programme is designed to establish uniform operational standards ahead of nationwide deployment, with training modules covering election security management, crowd control, conflict prevention, rules of engagement, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful responses to election-related incidents.
Addressing participants, IGP Disu emphasised that security remains the foundation of credible elections, stressing that officers deployed for election duties must protect voters, electoral officials and the integrity of the electoral 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 police chief also warned against political violence, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching, vote-buying and other electoral offences, stating that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
To strengthen public accountability, the IGP announced plans to establish a dedicated 24-hour complaints line through which members of the public can report misconduct by police personnel deployed for election duties.
He further urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns, while calling on the media and civil society organisations to verify information before dissemination to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to strengthening police preparedness through training, operational equipment and mobility support.
Sheidu noted that the initiative aims to produce disciplined, impartial and responsive officers capable of maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process.
The ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Sadiq Malaja, mni, OFR (Rtd.), representing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission; Mr Afam O. Okeke, General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association; and Brigadier General J.A. Ifeanyi, representing the Chief of Army Staff.
Also in attendance were Group Captain Yakubu Yusuf, representing the Chief of Air Staff; DCG Zakari Ibrahim, representing the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund; 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 cooperation and professional, impartial policing to ensure a safe and secure environment for Nigerians to exercise their electoral rights during the 2027 General Elections.
Police Begin Training of 10,000 Officers on Election Security Ahead of 2027 General Elections
