IGP DISU RECEIVES UNOWAS DELEGATION, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL AND INCLUSIVE ELECTIONS

IGP DISU RECEIVES UNOWAS DELEGATION, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL AND INCLUSIVE ELECTIONS

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, today, Tuesday, 3rd November 2026, received a delegation led by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr Leonardo Santos Simão, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The engagement focused on the Force’s preparedness for the 2027 General Elections and measures to support a peaceful, secure and inclusive electoral process.

In his remarks, Mr Simão explained that the visit provided an opportunity to discuss election-security preparations against the backdrop of security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel. He stressed the importance of preventing political competition from escalating into violence and sustaining public confidence in the impartiality of the Police. He also sought updates on lessons from previous elections and arrangements for the protection of vulnerable voters, including internally displaced persons.

Responding, the IGP noted that lessons from previous elections, including off-cycle polls, were informing the Force’s operational planning and training programmes. He highlighted ongoing training for Police personnel and officers from other security agencies to strengthen coordination, improve election-security management and address the security needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The IGP further outlined ongoing threat assessments across Police formations to guide deployment and targeted security operations. He noted that the Force is working with other security agencies to address threats in vulnerable areas, with particular attention to providing a secure environment for internally displaced persons to exercise their electoral rights.

He also highlighted collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to support the timely and secure distribution of electoral materials. He explained that this engagement, together with joint training and improved coordination among security agencies, formed part of broader efforts to strengthen preparedness and ensure the effective discharge of election-security duties.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to professional and impartial policing, sustained inter-agency cooperation and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders towards ensuring a safe environment for Nigerians to exercise their electoral rights.

CSP ANI INIEDU, anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
3rd November, 2026