By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, on wednesday hosted the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, and his delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where both institutions strengthened collaboration towards ensuring peaceful, credible and secure elections across the country.
The high-level meeting focused on developing a strategic security framework for the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections, upcoming bye-elections and the 2027 General Elections amid prevailing national security challenges.
In a statement made available by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the meeting was attended by members of the Force Management Team and top INEC officials, including the National Commissioner for the North-Central Region, Professor Sanni Muhammed; National Commissioner for the North-East Region, Mrs. Jamila Abubakar Malafa; National Commissioner, Dr. Baba Bila; National Commissioner for the South-South Region, Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus; and National Commissioner for the South-West Region, Professor Kunle Ajayi.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Amupitan emphasized the need for proactive security arrangements and specialized training for security personnel involved in election duties. He stressed the importance of creating a safe environment that would enable Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Living With Disabilities to participate freely in the electoral process without intimidation or fear.
Responding, IGP Disu described the visit as timely and critical to sustaining democratic stability in the country. He disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force had already activated strategic operational measures aimed at curbing political violence, cult-related activities and other threats capable of undermining the electoral process.
The police chief further revealed that the Force had intensified intelligence mapping operations, strengthened plans for the secure movement of electoral materials and personnel, enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and activated mechanisms to counter misinformation capable of disrupting elections.
IGP Disu assured the INEC delegation that officers deployed for election duties would operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act. He added that personnel were currently undergoing intensive training on rules of engagement, professionalism and human rights protection.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency in election security management, the IGP maintained that the Force would enforce a zero-tolerance policy against misconduct by officers during elections.
He warned that any personnel found engaging in acts capable of compromising the credibility of the electoral process would face disciplinary actions in accordance with the law.
The Inspector-General of Police also reiterated the commitment of the Force to guaranteeing the safety of all eligible voters, especially Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Living With Disabilities, while calling for stronger collaboration between INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure successful and peaceful elections nationwide.
