ECOWAS PRE-ELECTION FACT-FINDING MISSION ENGAGES NIGERIA POLICE FORCE ON SECURITY PREPAREDNESS FOR 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

ECOWAS PRE-ELECTION FACT-FINDING MISSION ENGAGES NIGERIA POLICE FORCE ON SECURITY PREPAREDNESS FOR 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Abuja, Nigeria, 27 October 2026: The ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission, led by H.E. Victor Bockarie FOH, Head of Mission and former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, met with the Nigeria Police Force at Force Headquarters in Abuja to assess security preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections. DIG Umar Shehu NADADA, Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, received the delegation alongside senior officers responsible for counter-terrorism, border control, armament, the Police Mobile Force, crime prevention, administration and special protection.

The Police and ECOWAS delegation discussed security challenges that could affect the electoral process, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and related threats. DIG Umar Shehu NADADA and his team outlined the Police’s continuing threat assessments, operational preparedness, clearance operations and inter-agency coordination to secure vulnerable communities, protect election personnel and materials, and ensure safe access to polling units. They also emphasised the use of technology, intelligence-sharing, contingency planning and regular security reviews to identify potential electoral flashpoints and respond promptly to emerging threats.

The Mission emphasised the importance of professional, impartial and accountable policing, with particular attention to the protection of voters, candidates, women in politics, election officials and observers. The delegation also highlighted the importance of enforcing peace accords, addressing the misuse of thugs and unauthorised security groups, countering misinformation and disinformation, and strengthening public confidence through effective communication and community engagement. The Nigeria Police Force assured the delegation of its commitment to providing security for the electoral process and supporting peaceful political participation before, during and after the elections. The engagement identified areas requiring sustained attention, including specific protection measures for women candidates, the enforcement of peace accords, updated information on potential flashpoints and strategies for addressing election-related misinformation. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of early preparation, institutional cooperation and regional engagement in strengthening electoral security and creating an environment where every eligible Nigerian can exercise the right to vote freely, peacefully and without intimidation.