The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned police officers against taking political sides ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to maintain professionalism, impartiality and respect for human rights.
Disu issued the warning as the Jigawa State Police Command began a five-day training programme on election security management aimed at preparing officers for potential challenges during the polls.
The programme, themed “Role of Police Officers in Strengthening Electoral Security,” was organised by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
The IG, represented by the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, Tijjani Murtala, declared the training open on Monday at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse, the state capital.
He emphasised the importance of continuous training and professional development in equipping officers to handle security challenges associated with elections.
Murtala urged participants to demonstrate discipline and political neutrality while protecting lives and property and maintaining public order throughout the electoral process.
He also stressed that officers must uphold the rule of law and conduct their duties in accordance with established policing standards.
“We must operate within the principles of democratic policing and ensure that our conduct reflects neutrality and respect for the law,” he said.
According to him, the training was designed to provide officers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to prevent electoral violence, manage public gatherings and respond professionally to emerging security threats before, during and after the elections.
He encouraged participants to make the most of the programme to strengthen their professional competence and operational preparedness ahead of the 2027 polls.
Murtala also commended the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and the Inspector-General of Police for their continued support towards improving the capacity of police personnel.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring credible, peaceful and violence-free elections through professional, impartial and human rights-based policing.
Speaking at the event, Ibrahim Muhammad, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, highlighted the importance of specialised training in enhancing officers’ operational capabilities.
He noted that effective coordination and access to modern policing equipment were crucial to securing credible elections.
Similarly, a consultant and facilitator from the University of Abuja, Prof. Umar D. Muhammad, advocated intelligence-led policing and strict compliance with lawful procedures in tackling election-related security challenges.
He said proactive training would help officers prevent violence and respond appropriately to potential electoral threats.
Another resource person, Prof. Mustapha Hussaini of the Federal University Dutse, stressed the need for lawful responses to election-related incidents and respect for fundamental human rights.
The five-day workshop, attended by members of the Jigawa State Police Command Management Team, covered election security management, crowd control, conflict prevention, rules of engagement, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful responses to election-related incidents.
