2027: IGP declares police emergency, cancels officers’ leave, grounds senior commanders

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the immediate cancellation of leave for police personnel assigned to election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections, while restricting the movement of senior officers outside their respective commands.

Disu issued the directives on Wednesday during a strategic conference with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, as the police leadership intensified preparations for security operations ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

In a report monitored by Patriotic Insights News, the IGP directed all Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain within their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process, warning that any officer travelling outside his or her area of responsibility must first obtain express approval from the Force Headquarters.

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

He further warned that Commissioners of Police and other senior officers must remain in their jurisdictions, stressing that the directive was aimed at ensuring effective coordination, operational readiness and accountability during the election period.

As part of the preparations, the police chief ordered all state commands to conduct immediate assessments of their election security equipment, communication facilities, operational vehicles and protective gear.

He directed the commissioners to submit comprehensive reports on their operational readiness before the end of the week.

Disu also instructed police commands to establish direct working relationships with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.

WARNS POLICE AGAINST POLITICAL INTERFERENCE

The IGP, in a strong warning to officers, cautioned them against allowing politicians and political interests to influence their conduct or compromise the integrity of the 2027 electoral process.

He insisted that the Nigeria Police Force would remain politically neutral and provide equal security protection to candidates, political parties, their supporters and eligible voters, irrespective of political affiliation.

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

Disu further threatened disciplinary action against personnel found collaborating with political actors, facilitating electoral violence, encouraging thuggery or interfering with the rights of voters.

According to him, the police would not hesitate to invoke its disciplinary procedures against any officer found wanting.

“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 charged.

The directives come amid growing concerns over electoral security, political violence and the neutrality of security agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With the police leadership moving to tighten operational discipline and inter-agency coordination, attention will increasingly shift to how effectively the Force translates its assurances into impartial and credible election security operations.