The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cancelled leave for police officers assigned to election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu also ordered Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process.
He warned that officers found working with politicians to compromise the elections would face disciplinary action.
The directives form part of measures introduced by the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security ahead of the 2027 elections and address the growing threat of banditry in parts of the country.
The police chief announced the decisions on Wednesday during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Force in Abuja.
He used the meeting to address security challenges across the country, particularly continued bandit attacks on communities, preparations for the forthcoming elections and the need to improve police operations.
On the security situation, Disu acknowledged that some communities were still facing attacks from bandits, noting that the police could not afford to overlook the threats confronting residents in affected areas.
He consequently ordered the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, operational vehicles and air support to communities experiencing serious security challenges.
The IGP also gave Commissioners of Police in affected states 72 hours to submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements to the Force Headquarters.
He directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the deployment in consultation with the affected police commands.
Disu insisted that the reports from state commands must contain specific information about the security situation and the resources required to tackle the threats.
“Bandit attacks are ongoing in some states across the federation, and communities in those areas continue to face real threats to their safety and livelihoods.
This is a challenge we are confronting directly, and I will not allow this conference to pretend otherwise.
“I am therefore directing as follows, with immediate effect: all Commissioners of Police in affected commands are to submit updated threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within 72 hours.
“I want specifics, not generalities. The DIG in charge of Operations is to coordinate the immediate deployment of additional personnel, mobility and air support to the most affected areas, in consultation with the commands concerned.
“Intelligence-led operations must be sustained and intensified. Every command must have a standing operational plan for its high-risk zones.
“Community intelligence must be deepened. Traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups in affected areas must be engaged and incorporated into our intelligence architecture. The people know who the bandits are. We must give them the confidence to tell us,” he said.
The police chief further directed state commands to strengthen intelligence gathering and establish effective operational plans for areas considered vulnerable to attacks.
He also called for closer cooperation between police officers and traditional rulers, community leaders, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups.
According to him, residents in affected communities possess useful information that could assist security agencies in identifying criminal elements and preventing attacks.
Disu maintained that the police would respond to the situation through sustained operations and improved engagement with communities.
“The bandits do not rest, neither shall we,” he declared.
Turning to preparations for the 2027 general elections, the IGP said the police had begun taking steps to ensure adequate security before, during and after the polls.
He announced that officers assigned to election security duties would no longer be allowed to proceed on leave until further notice.
He also directed Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain within their jurisdictions throughout the electoral process.
Under the new directive, any senior officer seeking to travel outside their command must first obtain express approval from the Force Headquarters.
“All leave is cancelled for officers and men deployed for election security duties, effective immediately.
“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,” he said.
Disu further instructed Commissioners of Police to inspect and confirm the operational readiness of their commands ahead of the elections.
The inspection will cover security equipment, communication facilities, operational vehicles and protective materials required for election duties.
He directed the commissioners to submit their readiness reports by the end of the week.
The IGP also ordered police commands to establish direct working arrangements with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The collaboration, according to the police chief, is necessary to improve information sharing, coordinate security operations and prevent possible breakdowns of law and order during the elections.
He warned that police officers must maintain political neutrality and resist attempts by politicians to use their positions to influence the electoral process.
Disu said the Force would provide security for all political parties, candidates, supporters and eligible voters without discrimination.
He stressed that no police officer would be allowed to use the authority of the Force to promote the interests of any political party or candidate.
“I will not tolerate any officer using the authority of the police to advance the interest of any political party, candidate or sponsor.
“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,” he warned.
The police chief also cautioned senior officers against allowing themselves to become instruments in the hands of politicians, insisting that anyone who violates the directive would be held responsible for their actions.
“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,” the IGP said.
Meanwhile, Disu provided an update on the achievements recorded by the police since the last strategic officers’ conference.
He disclosed that the Force had arrested 218 suspects over alleged involvement in banditry and terrorism.
Another 85 suspects were arrested for suspected armed robbery, while 129 were apprehended in connection with murder and culpable homicide.
The police also arrested 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists within the period under review.
Disu further revealed that police operatives rescued 95 kidnap victims during various operations across the country.
The operations also resulted in the recovery of 306 assorted firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition of different calibres and 116 stolen vehicles.
He commended officers who participated in the operations, acknowledging their contributions to the achievements recorded by the Force.
Beyond security operations and election preparations, the IGP addressed the welfare of police personnel, particularly families of officers who lost their lives while carrying out official duties.
He directed Commissioners of Police to ensure that outstanding death benefits and other entitlements owed to families of fallen officers were settled without further delay.
“I have directed that all outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to the families of our fallen personnel be cleared without further delay, and that Commissioners of Police personally verify the status of every pending case in their commands.
“No family of a fallen officer should be left to struggle alone.”
Disu also called for improved supervision and discipline across police commands.
He warned officers against corruption, extortion, abuse of authority and the unlawful use of force.
He further ordered a comprehensive welfare audit across the Force to identify outstanding staff entitlements, accommodation challenges and other pressing welfare concerns affecting personnel.
The IGP directed that the findings of the exercise be submitted to his office within 30 days.