By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu has charged senior police officers to demonstrate greater professionalism, discipline and accountability in the discharge of their duties, particularly as the Nigeria Police Force prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the charge on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Owerri, Imo State, urging participants to translate the knowledge and resolutions from the three-day retreat into concrete action across their respective Commands and Formations.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the IGP said the success of the conference would ultimately be determined by the changes recorded in policing after officers return to their areas of responsibility.
“The true measure of this conference is not the quality of discussions held here, but the changes we record across our Commands and Formations when you return to your respective areas of responsibility,” Disu said.
He directed the senior officers to adopt a train-the-trainers approach by cascading lessons from the retreat to Deputy Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders and other personnel under their supervision.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the IGP tasked Commands with strengthening operational planning, intelligence gathering, personnel training and community engagement, while reaffirming the political neutrality of the Police.
“Our loyalty remains to the Constitution, the law and the Nigerian people, and not to any political party, candidate or interest group,” he said.
Disu also charged senior officers to lead by example and ensure that professionalism, impartiality, discipline, integrity, respect for citizens’ rights and accountability remain central to the conduct of police personnel.
He highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence, digital intelligence and data-driven policing, urging the Force to leverage emerging technologies to improve its operational effectiveness.
The IGP also stressed the need for professional media engagement, timely and accurate communication and stronger partnerships with communities as critical elements in building public confidence in the Police.
At the conference, participants presented resolutions containing a comprehensive Nigeria Police Election Security Roadmap anchored on intelligence, political neutrality, professionalism, technology, community partnership, accountability and inter-agency collaboration.
The roadmap places particular emphasis on early-warning mechanisms, operational coordination, personnel preparedness and effective response to election-related threats.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN; Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN; members of the Imo State Executive Council, senior police officers and other stakeholders.
Disu expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Imo State for their hospitality, as well as Lenders Consult Nigeria Limited, facilitators, lecturers and participants for their contributions to the success of the conference.
The Nigeria Police Force said it would focus on implementing the outcomes of CARSPO 2026 through improved election preparedness, stronger supervision, intelligence-led and technology-enabled policing, enhanced community engagement and professional conduct across Commands and Formations nationwide.
