The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned police personnel against serving the interests of politicians in the 2027 general elections, declaring that officers who compromise electoral security or facilitate political violence will face disciplinary action.
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate the use of its personnel to intimidate voters, promote thuggery or manipulate the electoral process, insisting that every candidate, political party and eligible voter must receive equal protection irrespective of political affiliation.
He gave the warning on Wednesday during a strategic conference with senior police officers in Abuja, where he outlined operational measures for securing the 2027 elections.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a tool for any politician, any party or any interest. If you allow yourself to be used, you will face the consequences alone,” he warned.
The police chief stressed that officers found colluding with political actors, compromising election integrity or interfering with voters’ rights would be disciplined in accordance with the law.
To enforce operational readiness, Disu ordered the immediate cancellation of leave for police personnel assigned election security duties and directed commissioners of police and other senior officers to remain within their respective commands until the electoral process is concluded.
He also restricted official movements outside commands, requiring senior officers seeking to travel beyond their areas of responsibility to obtain express approval from Force Headquarters.
“All leave is cancelled for officers and men deployed for election security duties, effective immediately,” he declared.
As part of preparations, commissioners of police were directed to inspect their operational capacity, including election security equipment, communication facilities, patrol vehicles and protective gear, and submit readiness reports by the end of the week.
Disu further instructed state police commands to establish direct operational coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The measures, according to the police chief, are intended to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and ensure a coordinated response to security challenges before, during and after the elections.
The directives come as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections, with the police leadership placing emphasis on professionalism, operational discipline and political neutrality.
Disu urged officers to protect the electoral process and their professional reputations, warning them not to allow political interests to compromise their responsibilities.
“Protect the process, protect the people, and protect your own career and reputation. Do not be used,” he charged.
