Police, INEC ramp up collaboration on intelligence gathering, anti-violence measures, and protection of voters, officials, and electoral materials ahead of Ekiti, Osun governorship polls and the 2027 general elections.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to delivering secure, peaceful, and credible elections across the country following a strategic meeting with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, in Abuja.

The high-level engagement centered on strengthening the nation’s electoral security framework ahead of critical electoral activities, including the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State, upcoming bye-elections, and the 2027 general elections.

During the meeting, both leaders stressed the urgent need for proactive and coordinated security strategies to tackle growing threats capable of undermining the electoral process, particularly political violence, voter intimidation, misinformation, and attacks on electoral infrastructure.

INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, underscored the importance of guaranteeing a safe and inclusive voting environment for all Nigerians, with special attention to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs). He also called for improved preparedness and continuous training of security personnel assigned to election duties.

Responding, IGP Disu revealed that the Police Force has already activated a series of intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing electoral violence and safeguarding democratic processes nationwide. According to him, the measures include tighter security around electoral materials and officials, enhanced coordination with sister security agencies, and strategic efforts to combat the spread of fake news and disinformation during election periods.

The police chief further assured that officers deployed for election assignments would operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act. He noted that personnel are currently undergoing intensive training focused on professionalism, neutrality, and respect for human rights.

Disu warned that any officer found compromising the integrity of the electoral process or engaging in misconduct would face swift disciplinary action.

Reaffirming the Force’s resolve to support credible democratic processes, the IGP called for sustained collaboration between the police, INEC, and other critical stakeholders to ensure peaceful, transparent, and violence-free elections across Nigeria.