Police begin training of 10,000 officers for 2027 polls

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has begun training 10,000 officers on election security ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the opening of a five-day training programme on Thursday at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu said officers deployed for election duties must remain neutral, professional and accountable.

He warned that any officer found compromising the neutrality of the Force would be held responsible, stressing the police must protect voters, electoral officials and the integrity of the electoral process without fear or favour.

The training, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), is being conducted at designated centres across 18 States and the Federal Capital Territory as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.

The programme covers election security management, crowd control, conflict prevention, rules of engagement, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful responses to election-related incidents.

The IGP also directed police commands to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational planning and collaboration with other security agencies, particularly in areas affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.

To promote accountability, Disu announced plans to establish a dedicated 24-hour complaints line through which members of the public could report misconduct by officers deployed for election duties.

He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns, while calling on the media and civil society organisations to verify information before disseminating it to prevent the spread of misinformation capable of triggering violence.

Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to strengthening police preparedness through training, provision of operational equipment and improved mobility.

He said the initiative was designed to produce disciplined, impartial and responsive officers capable of managing election-related security challenges.