By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring a safe and credible electoral process across the country.
He gave the assurance on Wednesday when he received the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, and his delegation at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The meeting, which included members of the Police Force Management Team and INEC National Commissioners from various geopolitical zones, focused on strengthening the security framework for upcoming elections, including the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle polls, bye-elections, and the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, emphasized the importance of proactive security measures and specialized training for security personnel.
He also stressed the need for a safe electoral environment that allows Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) to freely participate in the voting process.
In his response, IGP Disu said the Police had already activated strategic security plans, including intelligence-driven operations to prevent electoral violence, cult-related activities, and voter intimidation.
He also noted coordinated planning for the secure movement of electoral materials and personnel, improved inter-agency collaboration, and measures to counter misinformation.
He further assured that all officers deployed for election duties would operate strictly within constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, adding that personnel are undergoing continuous training on rules of engagement and human rights protection.
According to him, any officer found guilty of misconduct would be appropriately sanctioned.
The IGP reiterated the Police Force’s commitment to providing a peaceful environment for elections and called for stronger cooperation between INEC and other stakeholders to ensure smooth and credible polls nationwide.
