The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a stern warning to political actors and election gladiators across Nigeria, demanding an immediate halt to all forms of electoral violence, vote-buying, illegal movement of arms, and intimidation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026), held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre in Owerri, Imo State, the police chief warned that the law enforcement agency would show zero tolerance to anyone attempting to undermine the nation’s democratic process.
Addressing a gathering of senior police commanders, including Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), civil society partners, and electoral stakeholders, IGP Disu urged politicians to “compete with ideas, not with thugs.”
“Do not hire mobs, buy votes, move arms, or threaten voters and electoral officials,” IGP Disu declared during his keynote address. “The Nigeria Police Force will act decisively against anyone who tries to disrupt the peace or compromise the integrity of the ballot box. Electoral offenders must and will be prosecuted.”
With the Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for January 16, 2027, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls on February 6, 2027, IGP Disu highlighted that the police force is shifting toward early action and intelligence-driven crime prevention. Rather than relying purely on reactive measures on election days, the Force is actively monitoring the full electoral cycle.
This includes securing the logistics and personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tracking illegal arms flows, and disrupting political thug networks early. The police chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing equipment, recruitment funding, and welfare improvements to strengthen operational readiness ahead of the polls.
Echoing the Inspector-General’s charge, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reiterated in a statement issued following the ceremony that police tactical units, intelligence operators, and state commands nationwide have been placed on high alert. ”The Inspector-General of Police has given clear directives to all strategic commanders,” ACP Adejobi stated.
“Any political actor or group caught mobilising thugs, distributing illegal funds, or stockpiling weapons will face the full weight of the law, regardless of their political affiliation or status.” The CARSPO 2026 retreat in Owerri continues over the coming days, focusing on refining operational strategies, multi-agency coordination, and human-rights-compliant policing protocols for the upcoming electoral cycle.
