2027 Polls: Nigeria’s IG Cancels Police Leave

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu cancelled leave for all officers assigned to 2027 general election duties and ordered a nationwide crackdown on bandits during Wednesday’s strategic conference with senior police officers in Abuja.

To counter ongoing violence in affected states, Disu directed the immediate deployment of extra personnel, vehicles, and air support, giving state Commissioners of Police 72 hours to submit updated threat assessments and operational requirements.

Acknowledging severe security threats to rural communities, the police chief instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for Operations to coordinate rapid reinforcements and integrate traditional rulers, village heads, hunters, and vigilantes into local intelligence networks.

“I want specifics, not generalities,” Disu said, insisting that every command maintain a standing plan for high-risk zones.

“The people know who the bandits are. We must give them the confidence to tell us,” he added, declaring, “The bandits do not rest, nor shall we.”

Turning to the 2027 general elections, Disu restricted senior officers from travelling outside their jurisdictions without Force Headquarters approval until the electoral process concludes.

Political Partisanship

He ordered Commissioners of Police to audit election equipment, communications, and protective gear by week’s end, while establishing direct coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the military, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Disu issued a stern warning against political partisanship, vowing to discipline any officer who colludes with politicians, enables thuggery, or infringes on voters’ rights.

“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,” he warned.

“Protect the process, protect the people, and protect your own career and reputation. Do not be used.”

The police chief also reported recent operational gains since the previous conference, noting that officers arrested 218 banditry and terrorism suspects, 129 murder suspects, 120 suspected cultists, 85 armed robbery suspects, and 59 suspected kidnappers.

Police teams also rescued 95 kidnap victims and recovered 306 firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition, and 116 stolen vehicles.

Finally, Disu demanded immediate action on personnel welfare and discipline, condemning extortion and unlawful force while ordering a 30-day nationwide audit of accommodation and entitlement gaps.

He instructed Commissioners of Police to personally verify and clear all unpaid death benefits for bereaved police families, stating, “No family of a fallen officer should be left to struggle alone.”