With the 2027 common elections lower than three months away, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, NPTF, have commenced the training of 10,000 cops nationwide on election safety administration.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Disu, additionally directed personnel to stay impartial, skilled and accountable all through the electoral course of.
The five-day programme, formally declared open at present Thursday, 22 October 2026, on the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, is being carried out throughout designated centres and focuses on election safety administration, crowd management, battle prevention, guidelines of engagement, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful response to election-related incidents.
The first section brings collectively officers throughout 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the training designed to make sure uniform operational requirements forward of nationwide deployment.
Addressing individuals, the IGP confused that safety is the inspiration of a reputable election and that officers deployed for election duties should defend voters, electoral officers and the method with out worry or favour.
He warned that any officer who compromises the neutrality of the Force could be held accountable, whereas directing instructions to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational planning and inter-agency coordination, significantly in areas affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.
The IGP additionally warned in opposition to political violence, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching, vote-buying and different electoral offences, stressing that offenders could be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the legislation.
He additional introduced {that a} devoted 24-hour complaints line could be made obtainable for members of the general public to report misconduct by personnel on election responsibility, whereas urging political events, candidates and supporters to marketing campaign peacefully and inspiring the media and civil society to confirm info earlier than dissemination.
Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Fund’s dedication to supporting Police preparedness by way of training, operational tools and mobility, noting that the initiative is aimed toward producing officers who’re disciplined, neutral and responsive all through the electoral course of.
The ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Sadiq Malaja (Rtd.), representing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission; Mr Afam O. Okeke, General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association; Brigadier General J.A. Ifeanyi, representing the Chief of Army Staff; Group Captain Yakubu Yusuf, representing the Chief of Air Staff; DCG Zakari Ibrahim, representing the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund; as properly as members of the Force Management Team and different senior cops.
