President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared open the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) in Owerri, Imo State, with the Federal Government pledging continued support for the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, at the event on Monday, September 21, 2026, President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring peaceful, credible and secure elections. He described the conference theme, “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” as timely, stressing professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led policing and effective inter-agency coordination.

The President also assured the Nigeria Police Force of continued government support in key areas, including training, technology, operational logistics, personnel welfare and institutional reforms. Earlier, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, expressed delight at hosting the conference for the fourth time, commending the Police for sustaining the platform as a forum for strategic engagement and the development of solutions to emerging security challenges.

Speaking at the conference, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, unveiled a six-pillar framework to guide the Force’s election-security roadmap ahead of the 2027 polls. The framework focuses on strengthened intelligence and early-warning systems; intensive training and operational preparedness; joint command and inter-agency coordination; effective communication and deployment of technology; sustained community partnership; and absolute neutrality.

IGP Disu noted that the opening of CARSPO 2026 coincided with the International Day of Peace, being observed under the 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” He said investing in peace from a policing perspective requires professionalism, public trust and proactive measures capable of identifying and preventing violence before it occurs.

As part of the deliberations, Commissioners of Police are expected to identify and map electoral flashpoints, criminal networks and other emerging threats within their respective commands while strengthening early-warning mechanisms and community-based intelligence. The IGP further announced that the Nigeria Police Force would launch an official public election complaints line on October 12, 2026, ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to neutrality, IGP Disu warned against political violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying and other electoral offences. He stressed that any police officer found taking sides, harassing voters, colluding with political actors or abusing police powers would be held accountable. The opening ceremony was attended by Governor Uzodimma and members of the Imo State Executive Council, alongside representatives of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Dr Abubakar Makki Yalleman; and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.