The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cancelled leave for police officers assigned to election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections while ordering an intensified nationwide crackdown on banditry.
Disu also directed the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, operational vehicles and air support to communities facing persistent bandit attacks.
The police chief issued the directives on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
Acknowledging that bandit attacks remained a serious threat in several states, Disu ordered Commissioners of Police in affected commands to submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within 72 hours.
He said the reports must contain specific information about the security challenges and resources required to address them.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations was also instructed to coordinate the deployment of additional personnel and equipment in consultation with the affected commands.
Disu said intelligence-led operations must be intensified, while every police command was expected to maintain a standing operational plan for high-risk areas.
He further directed officers to strengthen intelligence gathering through collaboration with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups.
According to the IGP, residents of affected communities possess valuable information about criminal activities, and the police must build enough confidence to encourage them to share intelligence.
He said:
“Bandit attacks are ongoing in some states across the federation, and communities in those areas continue to face real threats to their safety and livelihoods.
“This is a challenge we are confronting directly, and I will not allow this conference to pretend otherwise.”
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Disu announced that all leave arrangements for officers and personnel assigned to election security duties had been cancelled with immediate effect.
He also ordered Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to remain within their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process.
Any movement outside their areas of responsibility, he said, would require express approval from Force Headquarters.
The police chief further directed Commissioners of Police to inspect election security equipment, communication facilities, operational vehicles and protective gear, with readiness reports expected before the end of the week.
He instructed police commands to establish direct coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to strengthen preparations.
Disu also warned officers against allowing politicians to use them to manipulate the electoral process, facilitate political violence or interfere with the rights of voters.
He maintained that the police would remain neutral and provide equal protection to political parties, candidates, their supporters and eligible voters regardless of their political affiliations.
“I will not tolerate any officer using the authority of the police to advance the interest of any political party, candidate or sponsor,” he warned.
He added that officers found collaborating with political actors, facilitating thuggery or compromising electoral integrity would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
Beyond the new security directives, Disu disclosed that the police had recorded several arrests and recoveries since the previous strategic officers’ conference.
According to him, the Force arrested 218 suspects for alleged banditry and terrorism, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 suspects for murder and culpable homicide, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists.
He also announced the rescue of 95 kidnapped victims and the recovery of 306 assorted firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition of different calibres and 116 stolen vehicles.
The IGP commended officers involved in the operations, attributing the reported achievements to their commitment and efforts in tackling criminal activities.
Disu also addressed the welfare of police personnel, directing that outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to families of officers killed in the line of duty be paid without further delay.
He instructed Commissioners of Police to personally verify pending cases within their commands to ensure that affected families receive what they are owed.
“No family of a fallen officer should be left to struggle alone,” he said.
The police chief additionally ordered a welfare audit across police commands to identify outstanding entitlements, accommodation shortages and other pressing needs.
The exercise is expected to be completed within 30 days, with reports submitted to his office.
He urged senior officers to improve supervision, discipline and operational efficiency while warning against corruption, extortion, abuse of authority and the unlawful use of force.
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