FIC REPORT (IMO STATE) – The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has charged senior police officers to remain neutral, prepared, present and accountable in the discharge of their duties, particularly as the Nigeria Police Force begins preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the charge in Owerri, Imo State, while declaring open the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026), with the theme, “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.”
In his opening remarks, the IGP noted that effective election security depends largely on police professionalism, preparedness and adherence to the rule of law.
The IGP outlined six key priorities for election security, including early intelligence gathering, intensive training and preparedness, joint operations and inter-agency coordination, improved communication and technology-driven situational awareness, stronger engagement with communities and stakeholders, as well as strict political neutrality.
Disu also presented an operational scorecard of the Nigeria Police Force, disclosing that since he assumed office in February 2026, police operations had led to the arrest of 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, 343 murder suspects, 566 suspected armed robbery suspects and 483 suspected cultists. He added that 1,066 kidnapped victims had been rescued, while 947 firearms and more than 22,000 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the period.
While acknowledging the progress recorded, the IGP noted that kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and communal violence remained significant security challenges, stressing that the Force would continue to confront these threats while simultaneously preparing for the 2027 elections.
He warned politicians and their supporters against recruiting thugs, vote-buying, arms movement, intimidation of voters and electoral officials, and other activities capable of undermining the electoral process, adding that police personnel who take sides, harass voters, collude with political actors or abuse their powers would be investigated and appropriately sanctioned.
The IGP also directed Commissioners of Police to make their official contact numbers available to the public, stressing the importance of accessibility, accountability and effective communication between police commands and citizens.
Speaking at the conference, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, emphasised the importance of professionalism and public confidence in policing, particularly in the management of security during the electoral period.
Uzodimma called for stronger intelligence-led policing, greater use of digital technology, improved information management and enhanced coordination among security agencies, stressing the need for neutrality and impartiality to enable citizens to exercise their civic responsibilities without fear.
The Governor further advocated decentralised policing, including State Police, while recognising the need for appropriate safeguards to prevent political abuse. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Imo State Government to supporting the Police and other security agencies with logistics, welfare and operational assistance.
CHIKA ANURUNWA
ACIPRO/ANIPR
21/9/2026
