President Bola Tinubu has opened the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO), as Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu unveiled a six-pillar framework for securing Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, said the conference in Owerri, Imo State, came at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.
The President urged the police to maintain professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations and effective coordination with other security agencies.
He also pledged continued government support in training, technology, logistics, welfare and institutional reforms.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma welcomed the participants and commended the Nigeria Police Force for sustaining CARSPO as a platform for addressing emerging security challenges.
IGP lists six pillars for 2027 polls
Disu outlined six key areas that would guide the police election-security strategy. They include stronger intelligence and early-warning systems, intensive training and preparedness, joint command and inter-agency coordination.
The framework also covers effective communication and technology deployment, sustained community partnerships and absolute neutrality.
The IGP said the conference coincided with the International Day of Peace, whose 2026 theme is “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
He said investing in peace requires professionalism, public trust and proactive measures to prevent violence before it occurs.
Police to map electoral flashpoints
Disu directed Commissioners of Police to identify and map potential electoral flashpoints, criminal networks and other emerging threats across their commands.
The police are also expected to strengthen early-warning systems and community-based intelligence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Disu announced that the Nigeria Police Force would release an official public election complaints line on October 12, 2026, ahead of the polls.
Disu warns against electoral offences
The IGP reaffirmed the neutrality of the police and warned against political violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying and other electoral offences.
He said the Force would hold officers accountable if they take sides, harass voters, collude with political actors or abuse their powers.
The conference attracted senior government officials, security chiefs, former inspectors-general of police and representatives of several security and law enforcement agencies.
The Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to focus on professional and intelligence-led policing, inter-agency cooperation and community engagement to create a safe environment for Nigerians to exercise their electoral rights in 2027.
