Nigeria Police Train 10,000 Officers Ahead of 2027 Elections, Warn Against Political Bias.

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a nationwide training programme for 10,000 police officers on election security management ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, warned personnel against political bias and misconduct.

The five day training programme, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), began on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja. The initiative aims to strengthen the operational capacity of officers and improve their preparedness for election-related security challenges.

According to News reports, the first phase of the programme covers officers from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with training taking place at designated centres.

The curriculum includes election security management, crowd control, conflict prevention, intelligence gathering, human rights protection, rules of engagement and lawful responses to electoral incidents.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Disu stressed that credible elections depend partly on the ability of security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders without intimidation or interference.

He warned that officers must remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process, adding that personnel found compromising the impartiality of the Force would be held accountable.

The Inspector General also directed police commands to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational planning and cooperation with other security agencies, particularly in areas affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.

He cautioned against political violence, voter intimidation, ballot box snatching and vote buying, stating that individuals involved in electoral offences would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

To improve accountability, Disu announced plans to establish a dedicated 24 hour complaints line through which members of the public could report misconduct by officers deployed for election duties.

He also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and called on media organisations and civil society groups to verify information before publication to prevent misinformation from escalating political tensions.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting police preparedness through training, operational equipment and improved mobility.

The initiative comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with security agencies expected to play a critical role in protecting voters, maintaining public order and safeguarding the electoral process.

The effectiveness of the training will ultimately depend on how well officers apply the principles of neutrality, professionalism and accountability during campaigns, voting and the collation of election results.