By Our Correspondent
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered the immediate cancellation of leave for police officers assigned to election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections, while imposing movement restrictions on senior police officers across the country.
The directive is part of measures aimed at strengthening security preparedness, improving operational efficiency and ensuring adequate police presence before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
The IGP reportedly issued the orders during a strategic meeting with senior police officers in Abuja, where he emphasised the need for heightened vigilance, discipline and professionalism as the country prepares for another major electoral exercise.
Under the new directive, police personnel assigned to election-related security operations are expected to remain available for duty, with their leave arrangements suspended to ensure that adequate manpower is available whenever required.
The development is expected to affect officers directly involved in election security assignments, as the Police Force moves to strengthen its operational capacity ahead of the polls.
In another major decision, the IGP has restricted the movement of Commissioners of Police and other senior officers, directing them to remain within their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process.
Senior officers seeking to travel outside their designated commands must reportedly obtain express approval from the Force Headquarters.
The restriction is intended to ensure that commanders remain physically available to supervise security operations, monitor developments and respond promptly to emerging threats within their areas of responsibility.
The IGP also directed police commands across the federation to conduct comprehensive checks on operational vehicles, communication equipment, protective gear and other essential security facilities.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that all necessary logistics are in place before the commencement of election-related activities.
Furthermore, police commands have been urged to strengthen collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the military and other relevant security agencies.
The police leadership also reportedly emphasised the need for regular security briefings and situation reports to enable Force Headquarters to monitor developments across the country.
The IGP warned police officers against allowing politicians to influence their professional responsibilities, stressing that officers must remain politically neutral, impartial and committed to protecting the rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.
He also warned against the use of police personnel to intimidate voters, harass political opponents, promote electoral violence or manipulate the electoral process.
Officers found engaging in misconduct or compromising their professional responsibilities could face appropriate disciplinary action.
The latest directives signal increased security preparations within the Nigeria Police Force as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
With the cancellation of leave for designated election security personnel and restrictions on the movement of senior commanders, the police leadership appears focused on ensuring operational readiness and stronger command supervision.
The success of these measures will depend on effective implementation, adequate logistics, inter-agency cooperation and strict adherence to professional standards.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the elections, Nigerians will be looking to security agencies to provide a safe environment where eligible voters can exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation, violence or unnecessary interference.
The police are expected to play a central role in maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process, while ensuring that all political parties and candidates are treated fairly under the law.
The message from the police leadership is clear: security preparedness, discipline and professionalism will remain central to policing the 2027 general elections.
