The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cancelled the leave of police officers assigned to 2027 election security duties as part of measures to strengthen security ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Gists9ja reports that Disu also ordered an intensified nationwide crackdown on bandits and other criminal groups, directing the immediate deployment of additional personnel, operational vehicles and air support to communities facing repeated attacks.
The police chief gave the directives on Wednesday during a monthly meeting with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
Disu acknowledged that bandit attacks were still being recorded in some parts of the country, exposing residents to security threats and endangering their livelihoods.
He said the police leadership was determined to confront the situation through intelligence-driven operations and improved security deployment.
The IGP directed Commissioners of Police in affected commands to submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within 72 hours.
He also instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the immediate deployment of additional personnel, mobility assets and air support to the worst-affected areas.
Emphasising the need for intelligence gathering, Disu ordered police commands to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups to identify and track criminal elements.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the police chief ordered the immediate cancellation of leave for all officers and personnel assigned to election security duties.
He further directed Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process, warning that any travel outside their jurisdictions must receive express approval from Force Headquarters.
Disu also warned police personnel against allowing politicians or political parties to influence their professional responsibilities during the electoral process.
He said: “I will not tolerate any officer using the authority of the police to advance the interest of any political party, candidate or sponsor.
“Any officer found to be colluding with political actors, facilitating thuggery, compromising the integrity of the electoral process or interfering with the rights of voters will be disciplined according to the law.”
The IGP stressed that the Nigeria Police Force must remain independent and impartial, warning officers against being used by political interests.
He said: “The Nigeria Police Force is not a tool for any politician, any party or any interest. If you allow yourself to be used, you will face the consequences alone.
“Protect the process, protect the people, and protect your own career and reputation. Do not be used.”
Meanwhile, Disu directed the immediate clearance of all outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to families of police officers who died in active service.
He instructed Commissioners of Police to personally verify the status of all pending cases in their respective commands, insisting that families of fallen officers must not be abandoned to struggle without support.
The directives form part of the police leadership’s efforts to strengthen internal discipline, tackle insecurity and prepare the force for its responsibilities during the 2027 general elections.
