2027: IGP cancels leave for police officers, restricts movement of senior officers

The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has cancelled leave for police personnel assigned election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections and restricted the movement of senior officers outside their commands.

The police chief disclosed this on Wednesday at a strategic conference with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja. The conference was livestreamed on the police’s official Facebook page and monitored by PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Disu directed all commissioners of police and other senior officers to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process, warning that anyone travelling outside their area of responsibility must obtain express approval from the Force Headquarters.

“All leave is cancelled for officers and men deployed for election security duties, effective immediately,” he said.

“All Commissioners of Police and senior officers are to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process. Any travel outside your command requires express approval from Force Headquarters,” Mr Disu added.

He also directed commissioners of police to verify the readiness of election security equipment, communication facilities, operational vehicles and protective gear and submit their reports by the end of the week.

Mr Disu further ordered police commands to establish direct coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military, the State Security Service (SSS, also known as DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Warning against political interference

The IGP warned police officers against allowing politicians to use them to compromise the electoral process, facilitate thuggery or interfere with voters’ rights.

He said the police would remain non-partisan and provide equal protection to candidates, political parties, their supporters, and eligible voters, regardless of political affiliation.

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“I will not tolerate any officer using the authority of the police to advance the interest of any political party, candidate or sponsor,” he said.

“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 police boss warned.

Mr Disu cautioned officers against allowing politicians to exploit their positions, stressing that the police would apply its disciplinary procedures against erring personnel.

“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,” he said.