Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cancelled leave for police officers assigned to election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections and ordered a nationwide intensification of operations against bandits.

Disu also directed the deployment of additional personnel, operational vehicles and air support to communities facing bandit attacks, while giving Commissioners of Police in affected states 72 hours to submit updated security assessments.

The police chief announced the directives on Wednesday during the monthly conference with senior strategic officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.

Acknowledging the continued attacks in some parts of the country, Disu said the Force would strengthen intelligence gathering and work more closely with local communities to address the security challenges.

He instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the deployment of additional resources to affected areas in consultation with state commands.

The IGP also directed Commissioners of Police to develop operational plans for high-risk locations and improve intelligence gathering through traditional rulers, community leaders, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups.

On preparations for the 2027 elections, Disu ordered all officers assigned to election security duties to suspend their leave immediately.

He further directed Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain in their respective commands until the electoral process is concluded. Any movement outside their areas of responsibility must receive approval from Force Headquarters.

The police chief also instructed state commands to inspect their election security equipment, communication facilities, vehicles and protective gear, with reports expected before the end of the week.

He directed police formations to establish direct coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Disu warned officers against allowing politicians to influence their conduct or using police authority to undermine the electoral process.

He stressed that the police would remain neutral and protect all candidates, political parties, supporters and voters, regardless of their political affiliations.

The IGP threatened disciplinary action against any officer found assisting political thugs, compromising election security or interfering with voters’ rights.

Meanwhile, Disu disclosed that the police had arrested 218 suspects over alleged banditry and terrorism, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 murder and culpable homicide suspects, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists since the last strategic officers’ conference.

He added that the Force rescued 95 kidnapped victims, recovered 306 firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition and 116 stolen vehicles within the period.

The police chief also directed Commissioners of Police to ensure that outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to families of officers killed in the line of duty were paid without further delay.

He ordered a welfare audit across police commands to identify unpaid entitlements, accommodation shortages and other pressing needs. The reports are expected to reach his office within 30 days.

Disu urged senior officers to strengthen discipline, supervision and operational efficiency, warning against corruption, extortion, abuse of authority and unlawful use of force.