2027 Elections: Police Set Out Security Plan

The Nigeria Police Force has unveiled a comprehensive security roadmap for the 2027 general elections, with emphasis on intelligence gathering, early warning, political neutrality, operational preparedness and inter-agency collaboration.

The roadmap formed part of the resolutions of the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026), which ended yesterday in Owerri, Imo State.

At the closing ceremony, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, charged senior officers to translate the lessons and resolutions from the three-day conference into practical action across their respective commands and formations.

Disu said the “true measure” of the conference would be the changes recorded across the Force after participants returned to their commands.

He directed the officers to adopt a “train-the-trainers” approach by cascading lessons from the conference to Deputy Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders and other personnel under their supervision.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the IGP urged police commands to strengthen operational planning, intelligence gathering, personnel training and community engagement.

He also reiterated that the loyalty of the Police remained to “the Constitution, the law and the Nigerian people,” and not to any political party, candidate or interest group.

The election security roadmap places emphasis on early warning, operational coordination, personnel preparedness and effective response to election-related threats. It also identifies technology, accountability, community partnership and inter-agency cooperation as key elements of election security.

Disu further tasked senior officers with ensuring that professionalism, impartiality, discipline, integrity, respect for citizens’ rights and accountability guide the conduct of police personnel.

He highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, digital intelligence and data-driven policing, alongside professional media engagement and “timely and accurate communication” in strengthening public confidence and effective policing.

The closing ceremony was attended by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN; the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, members of the Imo State Executive Council, senior police officers and other stakeholders.

Disu expressed appreciation to the Imo State Government and people for their hospitality, as well as Lenders Consult Nigeria Limited, facilitators, lecturers and participants for their contributions to the conference.

The Force said the outcomes of CARSPO 2026 would be translated into improved election preparedness, stronger supervision, intelligence-led and technology-enabled policing, enhanced community engagement and professional conduct across commands and formations nationwide.