The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has declared that the Nigeria Police Force will maintain “strict neutrality and professionalism” in the run-up to the 2027 general elections, warning that any officer found engaging in partisan conduct will face dismissal and possible prosecution.
Disu made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja during his inaugural conference with strategic police managers after assuming office as IGP.
Addressing senior officers, he said the credibility of the 2027 elections and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy would depend significantly on the conduct of the police, which remains the lead agency in election security management.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, our responsibility to the nation becomes both heightened and non-negotiable,” Disu said.
“The police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in its decisions, professional in its conduct, and strictly neutral in all electoral engagements.”
He pledged that the Force would secure the electoral process before, during and after the polls, safeguard democratic institutions, protect electoral officials and voters, and ensure that Nigerians exercise their civic rights without fear, intimidation or interference.
The IGP warned that there would be “zero tolerance” for misconduct or political bias.
“Any officer found to have compromised neutrality, violated electoral laws, or acted outside approved rules of engagement will face swift and decisive disciplinary action, including prosecution where applicable. There will be no exceptions and no excuses,” he said.
Disu also addressed concerns over excessive force during elections, stressing that crowd control and public order duties must align with constitutional safeguards and human rights standards. He said the use of force, where unavoidable, must be lawful, proportionate and accountable.
While pledging close collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security and intelligence agencies, the police chief maintained that the Force would retain operational leadership in election security.
Beyond electoral matters, Disu reiterated his commitment to internal reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, which has long faced allegations of corruption, extortion, unlawful arrests and abuse of power.
He described such misconduct as intolerable under his leadership and announced plans to strengthen internal accountability mechanisms, including the Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit and the X-Squad.
“These units will be empowered to operate decisively, independently and without fear or favour in the investigation of misconduct, abuse of authority, corruption or unprofessional conduct. No officer is above the law,” he said.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be a major political test for the country amid ongoing debates over electoral reforms, state policing and security sector accountability.
