Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos in collaboration with the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research (IPSPR) has organized a one−day sensitization and training programme for Senior Police Officers, Military officers, personnel of sister security agencies as well as other key election stakeholders.
The event, held at the MD Abubakar hall, Zone 2 Headquarters was themed ’’Professionalism, Neutrality and Collaboration: Strengthening Election Security for Safe and Credible Elections.’’
The initiative was organized in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen inter−agency collaboration and ensure that security personnel are adequately prepared for the 2027 electoral process.
Speaking at the programme, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Headquarters, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh welcomed distinguished guests and participants and emphasized the importance of professionalism, neutrality and collaboration among security and safety agencies in maintaining a peaceful and credible electoral environment.
The AIG noted that the responsibility of securing an election goes beyond the activities of a single security agency, stressing that effective coordination, mutual respect and adherence to professional standards are essential to protecting voters, electoral officials, election materials and other stakeholders throughout the electoral process.
AIG Jimoh further affirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead security agency for elections as provided by law, to working closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
He assured that adequate security arrangement and measures would be made across the three (3) phases of the electoral process − Pre−Election, Election Day and Post Election, to protect electorates, INEC officials, electoral materials, Ad−hoc staffs and other critical stakeholders. The AIG also stressed the need for all personnel that will be deployed for election duties to remain apolitical, impartial and professional, while carrying out their duties strictly in accordance with the law.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research (IPSPR), Dr. Charles Omole commended the AIG for the initiative, describing the training as timely and necessary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr Omole explained that the training programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of Senior Officers using a ‘train the trainers’ approach, with participants expected to cascade the knowledge and lessons acquired to personnel who would subsequently be deployed for election duties. He cautioned that any lapse in professionalism or failure to properly secure the electoral process could undermine public confidence in the elections, stressing that ‘an unsecured ballot amounts to a wish with no guarantee’
In a goodwill message, the Air Officer Commanding, Nigerian Air Force Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdul Suleh stated that the military remain committed to supporting democratic process and would provide necessary and lawful assistance throughout the electoral process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Professor Ayobami Salami, in his goodwill message, acknowledged the critical role of the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency for election security. He emphasized the importance of proper security briefing and professional conduct by all personnel deployed for election duties.
A goodwill message was also delivered on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwanu Babatunde Osuolale Aremu, Akiolu 1, The Oba of Lagos by Eletu Odibo, Chief Ajibade Nosiru Ayeni, while the representative of the Executive Secretary/CEO of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayodele Ogunsan also expressed their support for the initiative.
The training programme was thereafter declared open by the Provost of the Nigeria Police School of Public Relations, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd.).
The opening ceremony was attended by Senior officers of the Police, Military and other sister agencies as well as election stakeholders amongst which are; the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Headquarters, Lagos, the Air Officer Commanding, Nigerian Air Force Logistics Command, the Flag Officer Commanding, Nigerian Navy Western Naval Command, The General Officer Commanding, Nigeria Army 81 Div. Headquarters, Zonal Coordinators of Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, Nigeria Immigration Service, Zone A, Nigeria Correctional Service, Zone A; Zonal Commanders of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Zone A, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Zone 8, Federal Road Safety Corps, Zone 2; Zonal Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Commissioners of Police, Lagos and Ogun State Police Command, Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Zonal Director National Orientation Agency, State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps, the Executive Secretary/CEO Lagos State Security Trust Fund and others.
The training drew participants from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Federal Fire Service, Ministry of Justice, National Orientation Agency, Independent National Electoral Commission, National Youth Service Corps, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Inter Party Advisory Council, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and distinguished members of the Press.
Participants were taken through key areas relating to election security, with particular emphasis on professionalism, neutrality and inter−agency collaboration, effective coordination and the protection of the electoral process.
Resource persons at the training included the Director General IPSPR, Dr Charles Omole; Mr Idris Bawa; CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd); CP Abayomi Shogunle ( Nigeria Police Force CP Elections) who was represented by ACP Jamberlang Timothy; Mr Bernard Oniga Esq. and Dr Segun Awosanya (Segalink).
The programme provided an opportunity for participating agencies to deepen their understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities and to strengthen the cooperation required to deliver a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process in 2027.
The training programme underscores the commitment of the Zone 2 Headquarters to cooperate with the military, INEC, sister security agencies, election stakeholders and the public to ensure that the 2027 General Elections are conducted in a peaceful, secure and orderly environment.
