The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force will demonstrate professionalism before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the assurance on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while speaking with journalists after the launch of The Origin of Women in Nigeria Police Force, a book written by 96-year-old Dame Stella Okuyiga, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and one of the pioneer female officers of the Force.
The police chief said the Force had reviewed its performance during recent elections and was incorporating lessons from previous exercises to improve security and professionalism during the forthcoming general elections.
He disclosed that a conference involving commissioners of police and other senior officers had recently been held to assess areas where the Force performed well and identify shortcomings that needed to be addressed.
“We have now brought all these experiences together, where we did well and where we did not do well, so that we can perform better in this big election that everybody is looking up to,” Disu said.
He added: “I give you my word. Nigeria Police will do so well, and we will make Nigeria Police so proud, and we will make Nigerians proud.”
Police to Build on Lessons From Previous Elections
Disu’s assurance comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, with security agencies facing expectations to protect voters, prevent electoral violence and ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully.
The police have previously said they would strengthen intelligence gathering, officer training, inter-agency coordination and strategic deployment to address potential security threats during the elections.
The IGP’s latest remarks underscore the Force’s stated commitment to improving its handling of electoral security challenges.
IGP Praises Pioneer Female Police Officer
Speaking on the book launch, Disu praised Okuyiga for documenting her experiences and preserving institutional knowledge about the history of women in the Nigeria Police Force.
He noted that the retired officer joined the Force in 1955 and had recorded experiences that could serve as a reference for serving officers and future generations.
According to him, the publication would help younger officers understand the contributions of women to the development of the police and provide inspiration for future generations of female personnel.
Disu said the Force would ensure that copies of the book were distributed to police training institutions across the country for officers to study.
He said the initiative reflected the police leadership’s determination to preserve the legacies of retired officers and recognise their contributions to the institution.
Author Says Book Will Preserve Her Legacy
In her remarks, Okuyiga expressed delight at the publication, describing it as a lasting record of her life and experiences.
She said the book would allow her experiences to remain accessible to readers and future generations long after her lifetime.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including representatives of the Rivers State Government. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, launched the book with a donation of ₦20 million.