IGP Disu Warns Political Thugs, Vote Buyers Ahead of 2027 Elections, Vows Arrest and Prosecution

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned individuals and political groups planning to engage in electoral violence, thuggery, ballot-box snatching and vote-buying ahead of the 2027 general elections that the Nigeria Police Force will arrest and prosecute offenders.

The police chief gave the warning while speaking at the flag-off of the Election Security Training for the 2027 general elections, where he outlined the Force’s preparations to address security threats and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

Disu said the Police would not tolerate any attempt by politicians, their supporters or other individuals to undermine the electoral process through intimidation, organised violence or the manipulation of voters. He stressed that the Force was better prepared, more coordinated and determined to respond to threats capable of disrupting peaceful elections.

He particularly warned that individuals who attempt to snatch ballot boxes, incite hatred or sponsor political violence would face arrest and prosecution, adding that the Police intended to work closely with the justice sector to ensure that electoral offence cases did not end with arrests but proceeded to prosecution.

The IGP also identified vote-buying and vote-selling as serious electoral offences, rejecting attempts to normalise the practices as part of Nigeria’s political culture. He maintained that both the buyer and seller could face legal consequences for participating in the illegal exchange of money or other inducements for votes.

The election security training is part of a nationwide initiative by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), to train 10,000 police personnel ahead of the 2027 general elections. The first phase of the programme covers 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to information released by the Police, the five-day training programme covered election security management, electoral laws, strategic communication, intelligence-led operations, threat assessment and the statutory responsibilities of police personnel during elections. It also emphasised human rights, professionalism, impartiality and collaboration among security agencies.

Disu charged officers assigned to election duties to remain neutral, professional and accountable, regardless of the political affiliations or status of candidates and their supporters. He emphasised that their responsibility included protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials while ensuring that citizens could exercise their constitutional voting rights without intimidation.

The Police also outlined plans to strengthen intelligence gathering, identify potential electoral flashpoints and improve operational coordination with other security agencies. The IGP has previously highlighted cooperation with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, Customs and Immigration Services as part of preparations for the elections.

Another component of the preparations is the protection of vulnerable voters, particularly persons living with disabilities and internally displaced persons. During a recent engagement with a United Nations delegation, Disu disclosed that the Force was incorporating lessons from previous elections and ongoing threat assessments into its operational planning to improve security and accessibility during the 2027 polls.

The IGP’s latest warning reinforces the Police position that electoral offences will attract legal consequences and that security personnel must maintain impartiality throughout the electoral process. The Force has also reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, inter-agency cooperation and sustained personnel training ahead of the 2027 general elections.