The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned police officers against allowing politicians to use them to manipulate the electoral process, promote political thuggery or violate the rights of voters.
Disu issued the warning on Wednesday during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
The Police Chief reaffirmed that the force would remain politically neutral and provide equal protection to all candidates, political parties, their supporters and eligible voters, regardless of political affiliation.
He warned that any officer found collaborating with politicians, facilitating electoral violence or interfering with voters’ rights would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
Disu stressed that the Nigeria Police Force must not become an instrument for advancing the interests of any politician or political party, cautioning officers to protect the credibility of the electoral process and their professional integrity.
The IGP also directed Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain in their respective commands until the electoral process is concluded.
Meanwhile, Disu ordered the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, operational vehicles and air support to communities affected by bandit attacks across the country.
He directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the deployment in collaboration with the affected police commands.
Additionally, the IGP called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups, noting that residents could provide valuable intelligence to help identify and track the activities of bandits.
The development underscores the police leadership’s stated commitment to electoral neutrality, voter protection and improved security operations across the country.
