The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has pledged that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will maintain firm neutrality during the 2027 general elections, warning that any officer found compromising the integrity of the process will face disciplinary measures, including possible prosecution.
Disu, who was sworn in as the 23rd IGP by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, ahead of the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, made the declaration during his inaugural conference with strategic police managers.
He succeeds Kayode Egbetokun, who resigned in February, citing pressing family considerations.
Addressing senior officers, the new IGP stressed that the credibility of the 2027 polls and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy would largely depend on the conduct of the police as the lead agency in election security.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, our responsibility to the nation becomes both heightened and non-negotiable,” Disu said. “The police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in its decisions, professional in its conduct, and strictly neutral in all electoral engagements.”
He declared zero tolerance for partisanship, misconduct, and abuse of authority within the Force, insisting that there would be “no exceptions and no excuses.”
“Any officer found to have compromised neutrality, violated electoral laws, or acted outside approved rules of engagement will face swift and decisive disciplinary action, including prosecution where applicable,” he warned.
Disu assured Nigerians that the police would secure the electoral process before, during, and after the elections, while safeguarding democratic institutions, electoral officials, voters, and critical infrastructure to ensure citizens exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.
He added that crowd control and public order duties would be conducted with restraint and respect for human rights, stressing that any use of force must be lawful, proportionate, and accountable.
While pledging collaboration with the armed forces and other security and intelligence agencies, the IGP affirmed that the police would retain clear leadership in election security operations.
Beyond the 2027 polls, Disu reiterated his commitment to internal reforms aimed at restoring public trust in the Force.
He vowed that misconduct, corruption, extortion, unlawful arrests, and abuse of power would not be tolerated under his leadership.
He further disclosed that the Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit, and the X-Squad would be strengthened to operate decisively and independently in investigating cases of misconduct and corruption.
“No officer is above the law,” he said.
