MON SEPT 21 2026-theGBJournal| The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Monday, outlined six pillars to guide the Force’s 2027 election-security roadmap, just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declared open the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Owerri, Imo State, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force towards peaceful and secure 2027 General Elections.
The IGP named strengthened intelligence and early-warning systems; intensive training and preparedness; joint command and inter-agency coordination; effective communication and deployment of technology; sustained community partnership; and absolute neutrality, as the pillars while stressing that for the Police, investing in peace requires professionalism, public trust and proactive measures to prevent violence before it occurs.
The opening ceremony of the event coincided with the International Day of Peace, observed under the 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
As part of the conference deliberations, Commissioners of Police are expected to identify and map potential electoral flashpoints, criminal networks and other emerging threats within their respective Commands, while strengthening early-warning systems and community-based intelligence ahead of the elections.
The IGP also announced that the Nigeria Police Force would, on 12 October 2026, release an official public election complaints line ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Reaffirming the neutrality of the Force, the IGP warned against political violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying and other electoral offences, stressing that any Police officer found taking sides, harassing voters, colluding with political actors or abusing Police powers would be held accountable.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President described the conference, themed “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” as timely, stressing the need for professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations and effective inter-agency coordination.
He assured the Force of continued Federal Government support in training, technology, operational logistics, welfare and institutional reforms.
Welcoming participants, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, expressed delight at hosting the Conference and Retreat for the fourth time, commending the Nigeria Police Force for sustaining the platform for strategic engagement and the development of solutions to contemporary security challenges.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and members of the Imo State Executive Council; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, represented by Senator Patrick Ndubueze; Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Dr Abubakar Makki Yalleman, represented by Hon. Dibiagwu Eugene Okechukwu; and the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Mrs Adigwe A. Nwamaka.
Also present were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, represented by Major General O.A. Fadairo; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral S.D. Ibrahim; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, represented by Major General K.N. Nwoko; Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, represented by ACG P.C. Chibuoke; Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, represented by CC Ngozi Alice Okereke, and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, rtd, represented by DIG Taiwo F. Lakanu, rtd.
Former Inspectors-General of Police, IGP Mike Mbama Okiro, and IGP Usman Alkali Baba, rtd, as well as the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, and other PCRC members were also in attendance.
The Nigeria Police Force say it remains committed to professional, neutral and intelligence-led policing, strengthened inter-agency collaboration and sustained community engagement towards providing a safe and secure environment for Nigerians to exercise their electoral rights during the 2027 General Elections.
X-@theGBJournal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
