The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cancelled the leave of police officers assigned to election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections as part of measures to strengthen security across the country.
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Disu also ordered an intensified operation against bandits and other criminal groups, directing the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, vehicles and air support to communities facing repeated attacks.
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The police chief gave the directives on Wednesday during a monthly meeting with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, where he addressed the country’s security challenges and preparations for the forthcoming general elections.
He acknowledged that bandit attacks were still being recorded in some parts of the country, leaving residents exposed to danger and threatening their livelihoods.
To address the situation, Disu directed Commissioners of Police in affected states to submit updated security reports and details of their operational needs to the Force Headquarters within 72 hours.
He also instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the deployment of more personnel and equipment to communities facing the worst attacks.
The IGP called for stronger intelligence gathering and sustained operations in areas identified as security threats. He further directed police commands to maintain active security plans for high-risk communities.
Disu also called for closer cooperation between security agencies and local communities, urging police officers to work with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters and local vigilante groups to obtain useful information about criminal activities.
He said residents of affected communities could provide important information about the activities and identities of bandits if they were confident that the police would protect them.
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On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Disu announced that all officers and men assigned to election security duties would no longer be permitted to proceed on leave until the electoral exercise was concluded.
He also directed Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain within their respective commands throughout the election period.
According to the directive, any senior officer who intends to travel outside his or her area of responsibility must first obtain approval from the Force Headquarters.
The police chief further ordered state Commissioners of Police to inspect their election security equipment, communication facilities, operational vehicles and protective gear to ensure they were ready for deployment.
He gave them until the end of the week to submit reports on the level of preparedness in their respective commands.
Disu also instructed police formations across the country to establish direct working arrangements with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He warned officers against allowing politicians to influence their conduct or use them to disrupt the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
The IGP maintained that the police must remain neutral and provide equal security for all political parties, candidates, their supporters and eligible voters, regardless of their political affiliations.
He warned that officers found working with politicians to promote particular interests, encourage political violence, manipulate the election or deny citizens their voting rights would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
Disu also cautioned senior officers against using their positions to support political interests, stressing that the police force must not become an instrument for politicians or political parties.
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