By Emma Peter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring peaceful, credible and secure elections as the Force begins preparations for the 2027 General Elections.
Tinubu stated this on Monday, September 21, 2026, while declaring open the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, CARSPO 2026, held in Owerri, Imo State.
The President, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the conference, themed, “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” was coming at an important time as the country prepares for another general election.
He stressed the importance of professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led policing and effective collaboration among security agencies in managing election-related security challenges.
According to the President, the Federal Government would continue to support the Police through improved training, technology, operational logistics, welfare initiatives and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Force.
The Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who welcomed participants to the state, expressed satisfaction with the decision to host CARSPO for the fourth time, describing the platform as an avenue for strategic discussions on contemporary security challenges and the development of practical solutions.
Speaking at the conference, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, outlined a six-pillar framework which he said would form the foundation of the Nigeria Police Force’s roadmap for election security ahead of the 2027 polls.
The framework comprises stronger intelligence and early-warning mechanisms; intensive training and operational preparedness; joint command structures and inter-agency coordination; effective communication and deployment of technology; sustained partnership with communities; and strict political neutrality.
Disu said the Police must remain proactive rather than reactive in dealing with electoral threats, stressing that early identification of potential flashpoints and emerging security challenges would be critical to preventing violence.
The IGP also linked the opening of CARSPO 2026 with the International Day of Peace, observed on September 21 under the 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
He said for the Nigeria Police Force, investing in peace would require professionalism, public confidence, effective policing and deliberate measures aimed at preventing violence before it occurs.
As part of the retreat’s strategic deliberations, Commissioners of Police are expected to identify and map electoral flashpoints, criminal networks and other emerging threats in their respective commands.
The Police authorities are also expected to strengthen early-warning mechanisms and community-based intelligence gathering as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.
Disu further disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force would establish and publicly release an official election complaints line on October 12, 2026, to provide members of the public with a channel for reporting election-related security concerns ahead of the polls.
The IGP reiterated the Force’s commitment to political neutrality, warning against political violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying and other electoral offences.
He said police personnel would be held accountable if found taking sides, harassing voters, colluding with political actors or abusing their powers during the electoral process.
The opening ceremony attracted senior government officials, lawmakers, security chiefs and stakeholders, including Governor Uzodimma and members of the Imo State Executive Council.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, was represented by Senator Patrick Ndubueze, while the Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Dr Abubakar Makki Yalleman, was represented by Hon. Dibiagwu Eugene Okechukwu.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was represented by Mrs Adigwe A. Nwamaka, while the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, was represented by Major General O.A. Fadairo.
Also represented at the event were the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye; Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR; Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche; and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, rtd.
Former Inspectors-General of Police, IGP Mike Mbama Okiro, rtd, and IGP Usman Alkali Baba rtd, were also among those who attended the conference.
The Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, alongside other PCRC members, was also present.
