A public affairs analyst, Shehu Abdullahi, has praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for entrenching professionalism, neutrality and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in the management of election security.
Abdullahi said the policing reforms introduced under the current leadership have contributed significantly to peaceful and secure electoral processes across the country while boosting public confidence in the police.
According to him, one of the most notable reforms is the restructuring of election security operations, with officers deployed for electoral assignments consistently reminded to remain professional, impartial and guided strictly by the law.
He said the approach was clearly demonstrated during preparations for the Ekiti State governorship election, where the police, working with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, developed a robust security framework covering all 16 local government areas, 154 wards and more than 2,500 polling units.
Abdullahi noted that personnel and tactical assets were strategically deployed to protect voters, election officials, observers and sensitive electoral materials, while officers received detailed briefings on their rules of engagement and constitutional responsibilities.
He added that the IGP repeatedly assured Nigerians that they would exercise their voting rights without intimidation or harassment, while warning politicians and other actors against any attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
“The peaceful conduct of the election reflected the effectiveness of these security measures,” Abdullahi said, noting that the poll was widely regarded as orderly and largely free of major security incidents.
He also observed that recent National Assembly bye-elections in several states recorded fewer incidents of violence and disruption, attributing the improvement to stronger coordination among security agencies responsible for election security.
Beyond election management, Abdullahi lauded the Inspector-General’s commitment to internal discipline and accountability within the Force.
He cited the police response to the killing of Mene Ogidi in Delta State as evidence of the leadership’s resolve to sanction misconduct.
According to him, the immediate withdrawal of the officers involved from operational duties, the commencement of disciplinary proceedings and the decision to pursue criminal prosecution underscored the Force’s readiness to hold erring personnel accountable.
He said the swift response helped address public concerns and reinforced the message that misconduct would not be tolerated under the current police leadership.
Abdullahi further commended the Inspector-General for strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers, civil society organisations, electoral bodies and international observers, describing the engagement as a reflection of modern policing built on partnership, dialogue and public trust.
He also pointed to the police leadership’s participation in peace accord meetings ahead of elections as part of broader efforts to ensure peaceful democratic processes.
The analyst highlighted the Inspector-General’s recent intervention in the rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
According to him, the engagement with political stakeholders resulted in commitments to ensure that anyone involved in incitement or electoral violence would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
Abdullahi also welcomed the Inspector-General’s assurances of neutrality during the election, as well as plans to reorganise specialised local police units and deploy additional tactical personnel to maintain law and order.
He said the collaborative efforts involving security agencies, traditional institutions and community-based security networks had positioned Osun State for a peaceful, free and credible governorship election.
