By MONDAY IJEH

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Olatunji Disu, on Wednesday unveiled his reform agenda for the Nigeria Police Force, declaring zero tolerance for misconduct, corruption, partisanship and abuse of power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Disu gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja during his maiden conference with Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above.

“Let me state without ambiguity, there will be zero tolerance for partisanship, misconduct, or abuse of authority.

“Any officer found to have compromised neutrality, violated electoral laws, or acted outside approved rules of engagement will face swift and decisive disciplinary action, including prosecution where applicable.

“There will be no exceptions and no excuses,” he said.

He said the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force would become both heightened and non-negotiable as the 2027 general elections approaches.

Disu said the credibility of the electoral process, the stability of the nation’s democracy, and the confidence of the Nigerian people would depend largely on the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to him, in the discharge of this duty as the lead agency in election security management, the police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in Its decisions, professional in its conduct.

He said the force must be seen as strictly neutral in all electoral engagements and must secure the electoral process before, during, and after the elections.

The I-G said the force must protect democratic institutions, electoral officials, voters, and critical infrastructure, while ensuring that every Nigerian exercise their civic rights freely, peacefully without fear or intimidation.

He said crowd management and public order duties would be carried out with restraint, proportionality, and strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law.

Disu said the use of force, where unavoidable, must always be lawful, measured, and accountable.

“While we will work with the Armed Forces, sister security agencies, and the intelligence community, the Nigeria Police Force will retain and discharge its leadership role with clarity of command and responsibility,” he said.

He said he was aware that no Police Force could perform optimally if its officers were burdened by neglect, adding that, welfare of personnel would be a central focus of his administration.

According to him, issues of housing, remuneration, pensions, health, and overall well-being of officers would receive deliberate and sustained attention.

“We will pursue policies and partnerships that will improve living conditions and provide psychological and emotional support for our personnel.

“When officers are cared for, morale improves; when morale improves, performance follows,” he said. (NAN)