Election security must remain a top priority for the Nigeria Police Force as the country prepares for future elections, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has said.
Speaking at a conference and retreat for senior police officers, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd.), who represented the PSC chairman, urged senior commanders to develop practical strategies that would protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.
The conference, held under the theme, “Developing a Nigeria Police Road Map for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” focused on the challenges of policing elections in a democratic society.
DIG Lakanu said elections test the ability of security agencies to protect citizens while maintaining professionalism and impartiality.
He commended Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu and his management team for reforms aimed at improving policing. These include intelligence-led operations, technology-driven policing, stronger accountability and improved community engagement.
He also highlighted efforts to strengthen the police response to violent crime, including the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit.
Meanwhile, Lakanu stressed the importance of police welfare. He said better housing, healthcare, insurance payments and other welfare measures could improve the morale of officers who face danger while protecting the public.
On elections, he said the police must strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and training on electoral laws and rules of engagement.
He also called for proper planning and professional deployment of officers to protect voters, electoral personnel and sensitive materials.
According to him, election security requires the police to remain neutral, disciplined and guided by the Constitution and relevant laws.
The PSC, he added, would continue to support police reform through its constitutional responsibilities for recruitment, promotion and discipline, except for the Inspector-General of Police.
Lakanu urged senior officers to use the retreat to develop realistic and sustainable plans for election security.
He said their leadership decisions would influence public confidence in the police and the wider democratic process.
He ended by calling for stronger cooperation between the police, the PSC and other stakeholders to build a safer Nigeria and a more trusted police force.
