IGP Cancels Leave for Police Officers Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has cancelled leave for police officers assigned to election security duties for the 2027 general elections. He has also restricted the movement of senior officers outside their commands.

Mr Disu made this announcement on Wednesday during a meeting with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja. The meeting was streamed live on the police's official Facebook page and followed by PREMIUM TIMES.

He instructed all police commissioners and senior officers to stay in their commands until the elections are over. He warned that any officer wishing to travel outside their area must get approval from the Force Headquarters.

"All leave is cancelled for officers and men deployed for election security duties, effective immediately," he stated.

"All Commissioners of Police and senior officers are to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process. Any travel outside your command requires express approval from Force Headquarters," Mr Disu added.

He also told police commissioners to check the readiness of election security equipment, communication tools, operational vehicles, and protective gear. They must submit their reports by the end of the week.

Mr Disu further instructed police commands to work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The IGP warned officers not to let politicians use them to interfere with the elections or disturb voters’ rights.

He emphasized that the police would stay neutral and provide equal protection to all candidates, political parties, their supporters, and voters, no matter their political beliefs.

"I will not tolerate any officer using the authority of the police to advance the interest of any political party, candidate or sponsor," he said.

"Any officer found to be colluding with political actors, facilitating thuggery, compromising the integrity of the electoral process or interfering with the rights of voters will be disciplined according to the law," the police chief warned.

Mr Disu advised officers not to let politicians misuse their positions. He assured that the police would enforce discipline against any personnel who break the rules.

"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.

"Protect the process, protect the people, and protect your own career and reputation. Do not be used," he said.