By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Federal Government has urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of its responsibilities during the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu gave the charge on Monday in an address delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State.
Tinubu said every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status or geographical location, must feel protected by the police.
The President said the police must be seen not as an instrument of any political interest, but as a national institution serving Nigerians and protecting the constitutional order.
He stressed that the 2027 elections would require careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations and close coordination among security and electoral stakeholders.
Tinubu also assured the Nigeria Police Force that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to enable it effectively discharge its responsibilities during the elections.
According to the President, the government would continue to support measures aimed at strengthening police operational capacity, professionalism, welfare and institutional effectiveness.
He urged the police to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, deepen community engagement, embrace technology and enhance inter-agency cooperation.
Tinubu also commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, and the leadership of the Force for efforts to respond to the changing nature of crime and insecurity in the country.
While acknowledging the police’s efforts against kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, banditry, cultism and violent crime, the President said there was still more to be done to meet Nigerians’ security expectations.
He urged the senior officers to ensure that the roadmap developed at the conference produces practical and implementable solutions capable of strengthening election security, improving operational preparedness and protecting the democratic rights of Nigerians.
