By Paul Williams
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the various zones and states to ensure regular interactive sessions with journalists to counter misinformation and fake news as campaigns for the 2027 general elections intensify.
Disu gave the directive on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during a strategic meeting with senior police officers, comprising Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The meeting was monitored by our reporter.
The IGP said regular interactions with journalists would help counter and mitigate the threats posed by misinformation and fake news, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force remained non-partisan and would not serve as a tool in the hands of politicians or political parties.
He said, “We will remain neutral. Ensure the safety and security of the electorate before, during and after the election.”
Disu disclosed that any police officer found engaging in partisan activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law. He also announced the suspension of leave for all officers involved in the election process until after the elections.
On human rights issues, the police chief urged Commissioners of Police to ensure that all reported cases of human rights abuses were properly documented, investigated and resolved within a reasonable period.
He further directed all police zones and commands to establish accessible and visible Complaints Response Units to enable members of the public to report cases of abuse and seek redress.
The IGP also urged state Commissioners of Police to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits to families of fallen officers and personally visit the families to show the Force’s support and solidarity.
Earlier in his address, Disu highlighted the achievements recorded by the Nigeria Police Force but said more needed to be done to tackle security threats, particularly banditry in some parts of the country.
He also warned Commissioners of Police against travelling outside their respective states without obtaining express approval from his office.
The police chief, however, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts to combat crime and maintain security across the country.
