The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Zone 2 Police Zonal Command Headquarters, yesterday, rallied the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, traditional leaders, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire Service and others to strengthen election security for a safe and credible 2027 general elections.

The zone made the call during a one-day training programme organised by the NPF in collaboration with the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research (IPSPR) held at the Zonal Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.

The theme of the programme, “Professionalism, Neutrality and Collaboration, Strengthening Elections Security for Safe and Credible Elections,” seeks collaboration to build the capacity of police officers and their counterparts to manage election security professionally, constitutionally, and effectively.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Olorundare Jimoh, said that the theme is the tripod upon which public confidence in the NPF, the military and other national security and safety agencies could be built to ensure well-secured 2027 general elections.

The AIG assures the people of Lagos and Ogun states that the police, military, and other security and safety agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) are fully ready to ensure a safe conduct of the 2027 general election in both states.

And that the people should participate actively in the political campaigns, rallies and other activities without fear or apprehension.

He said: “Our traditional rulers and community leaders are the moral architecture of our societies. Your voice remains one of the most potent instruments for peace even as we reaffirm to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) that the Nigeria Police Force, as lead agency under ICCES, will continue to work in seamless partnership with it.”

He said that when elections are unsafe, democracy itself is imperilled, not in abstract theory but in the lived experience of citizens who must choose between their franchise and safety.

Speaking, Director General, IPSPR Charles Omole, Election security is not merely a policing matter but also a democratic imperative and a thin, vital line between a nation that renews its social contract at the polls and one that watches that contract fray under the weight of intimidation, violence, and distrust.

He said that a ballot without a shield is a wish without a guarantee and security is the oxygen of democracy, without it, the ballot box becomes a theatre of fear rather than a sanctuary of choice.

He said that when elections are unsafe, democracy itself is imperilled, not in abstract theory but in the lived experience of citizens who must choose between their franchise and their safety.

“The purpose of this one-day training is clear and uncompromising: to build the capacity of senior police officers and their counterparts in other security agencies to manage election security professionally, constitutionally, and effectively.

The strength of an institution lies not only in its weaponry but also in the wisdom and capacity of its officers. By convening this gathering and deliberately bringing together police officers and representatives of other security agencies, you have demonstrated strategic thinking of a high order and a commitment to inclusive security governance. That is the mark of a commander who leads, not merely one who administers.

Speaking also, Air Officer Commanding(AOC), Logistics Command, Abubakar Abdu Suleh said that the training is particularly important because the security of an election cannot be effectively provided by any single agency.

He said election security requires close collaboration, coordination, information sharing and mutual respect among all security and law-enforcement agencies.

He said that where security challenges arise, security agents response must be coordinated, proportionate and guided by law, that security officials must also remember that the ultimate objective of their deployment is not simply to prevent or respond to incidents, but to create an environment in which citizens can participate in the electoral process safely and without intimidation.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to supporting the democratic process and to safeguarding the territorial integrity, security and stability of the nation. Where circumstances require the support of the Armed Forces in aid of the civil authorities, and where such support is lawfully requested and authorised, we remain ready and prepared to respond professionally and responsibly. Such assistance will, at all times, be undertaken within the framework of the Constitution and other applicable laws, with due regard for the rights and dignity of all citizens. Our presence must therefore be one that reassures the public, strengthens the efforts of the civil authorities and contributes to the restoration and maintenance of peace and order.

Speaking to security officers, he said: “As security professionals, our role in this process is particularly important.

The public will look to us to provide security without fear or favour, to act with discipline and restraint, and to uphold the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our conduct, both individually and collectively, will significantly influence public confidence in the electoral process. I therefore wish to emphasise that professionalism and neutrality must remain the guiding principles of every security personnel deployed for electoral duties.

“We must remain impartial and must not allow personal, political, ethnic, religious or other considerations to influence the discharge of our official responsibilities. Our loyalty is to the Constitution, the Nigerian state and the people we have sworn to serve.”

“As we prepare for the January 2027 elections, I urge every security personnel to remember that we are not participants in the political contest; we are guardians of the democratic environment in which that contest takes place. Our duty is to the nation, not to any political party, candidate or individual. Let us demonstrate discipline in our conduct, restraint in the exercise of our authority, courage in confronting threats, and fairness in our dealings with all citizens. I also encourage commanders and personnel at every level to make effective use of this training. The credibility of our security effort will ultimately be measured not only by the incidents we prevent, but also by the confidence that Nigerians have in our neutrality, professionalism and commitment to their safety.”

On his part, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos State is Prof. Ayobami Salami, said: “As INEC, we look up to the police for the security of our men, and the candidates but the officers must also be aware of their own security.

“We had a case where a police officer was paraded on the street of Ekiti State during the 2022 election. He was accused of snatching a ballot box but we later found out that there was fracas and he was only trying to protect the ballot box. He was lucky that we got there on time and prevented him from being burnt but he spent days in the hospital.”

“As a security officer, you need to protect and not carry the box, don’t risk your life.”