Nigeria’s police began a five-day course on Oct. 22 to prepare 10,000 officers for 2027 election security, with its first phase covering 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
An Nigeria Police Force (NPF) statement attributed to Force Public Relations Officer Ani Iniedu said the program opened at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund. The curriculum trains officers to manage crowds, prevent conflict, gather intelligence, uphold human rights and respond lawfully to election-related incidents.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu urged officers to protect voters and electoral officials impartially. He warned that personnel who compromise the Force’s neutrality would be held accountable.
Disu also asked police commands to improve intelligence gathering and operational plans, and to coordinate more closely with other security agencies. He pointed to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence as challenges requiring particular preparation.
The police plan to establish a 24-hour complaints line for reports of misconduct by officers on election duty. The NPF statement did not provide a phone number or launch date. Nigeria Police Trust Fund Executive Secretary Mohammed Sheidu said the Fund would support preparedness through training, operational resources and mobility.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for Jan. 16, 2027, and the governorship and State House of Assembly elections for Feb. 6, 2027.
