By Our Reporter
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cancelled the leave of police personnel assigned to election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections and ordered an intensified nationwide crackdown on banditry.
Disu also directed the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, operational vehicles and air support to communities affected by bandit attacks.
He gave Commissioners of Police in affected states 72 hours to submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements to the Force Headquarters.
The IGP announced the directives on Wednesday during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
Acknowledging that bandit attacks remained a serious challenge in several states, Disu said the police would intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with local communities to tackle insecurity.
He directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to affected areas in consultation with the respective commands.
The police chief said every affected command must provide specific information on security threats and maintain operational plans for high-risk areas.
He also ordered deeper engagement with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups to strengthen intelligence gathering.
According to him, residents of affected communities possess valuable information about the activities and identities of bandits, which must be harnessed to improve security operations.
“The bandits do not rest, neither shall we,” Disu declared.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the IGP announced the immediate cancellation of leave for all officers and men assigned election security responsibilities.
He also directed Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain within their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process.
Any movement outside their areas of responsibility, he said, would require express approval from the Force Headquarters.
Disu further ordered Commissioners of Police to inspect and confirm the readiness of election security equipment, communication facilities, operational vehicles and protective gear, with reports expected by the end of the week.
He directed police commands 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 to ensure effective security arrangements.
The IGP warned officers against allowing politicians to use them to manipulate the electoral process, facilitate political thuggery or undermine voters’ rights.
He insisted that the police must remain neutral and provide equal protection to candidates, political parties, their supporters and eligible voters, irrespective of political affiliation.
“I will not tolerate any officer using the authority of the police to advance the interest of any political party, candidate or sponsor,” he warned.
He added that officers found colluding with political actors, facilitating violence, compromising electoral integrity or interfering with voters’ rights would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a tool for any politician, any party or any interest. If you allow yourself to be used, you will face the consequences alone,” Disu said.
Meanwhile, the police chief disclosed that the Force had arrested 218 suspects for alleged banditry and terrorism, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 suspects for murder and culpable homicide, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists since the last strategic officers’ conference.
He said the police also rescued 95 kidnap victims, recovered 306 assorted firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and 116 stolen vehicles during the period.
Disu commended officers involved in the operations, attributing the achievements to their courage and commitment to their responsibilities.
On police welfare, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police to ensure the immediate settlement of outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to families of officers who died in active service.
He said no family of a fallen police officer should be abandoned to struggle for survival because of delays in the payment of benefits.
He also ordered a comprehensive welfare audit across police commands to identify outstanding entitlements, accommodation challenges and other pressing needs.
The reports, he directed, must be submitted to his office within 30 days.
Disu further urged senior officers to strengthen supervision, discipline and operational efficiency, warning against corruption, extortion, abuse of authority and unlawful use of force.