Police, experts meet on 2027 election security

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is set to host the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Imo State from September 21 to 24, with election security expected to feature prominently in discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The conference, themed “Developing a Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” is expected to bring together senior police officers, security experts, policymakers, election stakeholders and representatives of relevant institutions to review election security arrangements and identify emerging challenges.

CARSPO 2026 is being organised by the Nigeria Police Force in partnership with Lenders Consult International.

According to the organisers, discussions at the four-day conference will focus on the development of a security roadmap for the 2027 elections, with issues including election-related violence, intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, deployment strategies, technology in election policing and public confidence in the electoral process.

Senior police officers from across the country, representatives of government agencies, civil society organisations, election management bodies, development partners and security experts are expected to participate.

The organisers said the conference would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess existing approaches to election security and consider measures for improving coordination and operational preparedness before, during and after elections.

Lenders Consult International also reaffirmed its partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, saying it had worked with the Force since 2019 on sponsorship and operational support initiatives.

Ahead of the conference, the organisers said proactive planning, training and inter-agency coordination remained important to election security, given the range of security challenges that can arise during electoral activities.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, is expected to lead discussions at the conference and provide strategic direction on the Force’s preparations for future electoral engagements.

Disu stressed the role of the police in maintaining security during elections.

“Stability of the electoral process largely depends on the Police as the lead agency in internal democracy,” the IGP stated.

He also emphasised the responsibility of the Force to provide a secure environment for the conduct of elections.

The organisers said recommendations from CARSPO 2026 would inform the Nigeria Police Force’s preparations and operational planning for election security ahead of the 2027 general elections.