2027 Elections: Police Begin Training of 10,000 Officers

The Nigeria Police Force has begun training 10,000 officers on election security ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu warning personnel against political bias.

The five-day programme, organised in partnership with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, began Thursday at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja.

The first phase involves officers from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The training covers crowd control, conflict prevention, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful responses to election-related incidents.

Disu said police officers must protect voters, electoral officials and the election process without fear or favour.

He warned that any officer who compromised the Force’s neutrality would be held accountable.

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

He warned against political violence, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching and vote-buying, adding that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

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

He also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns.

The police chief called on the media and civil society organisations to verify information before sharing it to avoid spreading misinformation during the election period.

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

The police said the initiative was designed to establish uniform operational standards and prepare officers to provide a safe environment for Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights during the 2027 elections.