The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has charged senior police officers to be prepared for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

IGP Disu gave the charge on Monday in Owerri, Imo State, at the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) 2026.

He also charged them to put professionalism, intelligence and accountability at the heart of election security as Nigeria prepares for the exercise.

Speaking , the IGP said the Police must prepare well ahead of election day to protect voters, electoral officials, materials and the integrity of the electoral process. The conference is focused on developing a roadmap for effective management of security during elections.

The IGP said the Police will not relent in tackling kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and communal violence as preparations for the elections continue.

He disclosed that since assuming office in February 2026, the Force has arrested 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, 343 murder suspects, 566 armed robbery suspects and 483 suspected cultists, while rescuing 1,066 kidnap victims and recovering 947 firearms and more than 22,000 rounds of ammunition.

The Police boss also warned politicians and their supporters against recruiting thugs, vote-buying, arms movement and intimidation of voters or electoral officials.

He said the Force will work with INEC, EFCC and ICPC to investigate electoral offences and ensure that suspects face prosecution.

Disu stressed that police responsibility covers the entire electoral cycle — from intelligence gathering and planning to training, deployment, protection of electoral personnel and rapid response to threats.

He directed Commissioners of Police to map electoral flashpoints, strengthen early-warning systems, train personnel in crowd management and human-rights-compliant policing, and establish clear communication channels with the public.