The Nigeria Police Force has ordered a nationwide crackdown on individuals involved in the destruction of campaign materials belonging to political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The directive follows reports of increasing cases of campaign posters being pulled down, banners defaced and billboards vandalised in different parts of the country, prompting the police to warn those behind the acts of possible arrest and prosecution, Channels Television reported.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the destruction or unlawful removal of another candidate’s campaign materials could attract criminal charges under existing laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has consequently directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to intensify efforts to prevent such incidents, investigate complaints and bring offenders to justice.

The police also warned that individuals who finance, organise or encourage the vandalism of political campaign materials would not escape accountability if their involvement is established.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting all political parties and candidates without discrimination, the Force urged politicians and their supporters to respect opposing interests and pursue their campaigns within the limits of the law.

It maintained that political affiliation does not confer the authority to interfere with another candidate’s campaign activities, warning that anyone who engages in political violence or intimidation would face legal consequences.