Police Begin Training of 10,000 Officers for 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced training for 10,000 officers nationwide on election security management ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu charging personnel to remain neutral, professional and accountable.

The five-day training programme, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), was declared open on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja. The first phase covers officers from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The programme focuses on election security, crowd control, conflict prevention, human rights, intelligence gathering, rules of engagement and lawful responses to electoral incidents, with the aim of establishing uniform operational standards ahead of nationwide deployment.

Addressing participants, Disu said security was essential to credible elections and directed officers to protect voters, electoral officials and the electoral process without fear or favour. He warned that personnel who compromised the neutrality of the Force would be held accountable.

The police chief also directed commands to strengthen 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, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He also announced plans for a dedicated 24-hour complaints line through which members of the public could report misconduct by officers deployed for election duties.

Disu urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns, while encouraging the media and civil society organisations to verify information before dissemination.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to improving police preparedness through training, operational equipment and mobility to ensure officers are disciplined, impartial and responsive throughout the electoral process.