President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain neutral and professional ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning officers against allowing political interests to influence their duties.
Tinubu gave the charge at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State.
His address was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, while the SGF’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, disclosed the President’s position in a statement issued on Monday.
The President said the police must operate as a national institution and ensure that all Nigerians receive equal protection regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status or location.
Tinubu stated, “The police must be seen not as an instrument of any political interest, but as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order.”
He said maintaining neutrality and professionalism would be crucial to building public confidence and strengthening the credibility of the country’s democratic process.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” the President said the 2027 polls would require thorough preparation, intelligence-led policing, impartiality and effective coordination among security and electoral agencies.
He stressed that election security should go beyond protecting polling units and electoral materials, noting that the police must also protect voters and electoral officials, prevent intimidation and violence, and create an environment where citizens can participate freely.
Tinubu also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to police reform, promising continued investment in personnel training, technology, intelligence gathering, logistics, welfare and other institutional needs.
He urged the police to strengthen intelligence operations, improve response time, deepen engagement with communities and enhance cooperation with other security agencies.
The President commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Police Management Team for their efforts to reposition the Force.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of police personnel fighting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes, including officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
However, Tinubu said public expectations of the police remained high and urged officers to earn citizens’ confidence through discipline, accountability, professionalism and respect for human rights.
He tasked the senior officers at the retreat with developing a practical roadmap for improved election security and operational readiness ahead of 2027.
The President said the proposed roadmap should also provide a foundation for a modern, technology-driven, intelligence-led and citizen-focused police force beyond the 2027 elections.
He assured police personnel of continued government support but emphasised that such support must be matched by “courage, integrity, discipline and professionalism” in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
