Kano police chief orders neutrality ahead of 2027 elections

Kano State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori has directed senior operational officers to remain neutral, professional and apolitical ahead of the 2027 general elections. Bakori issued the instruction on Monday at a strategic lecture on election security management held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Bompai, Kano. The session was attended by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and heads of tactical and operational units.

The command’s spokesman, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed the directive in a statement. The lecture was intended to prepare senior officers for election security duties as political activities intensify. Bakori warned officers against compromising the integrity of the electoral process or participating in partisan political activities.

He said the Nigeria Police Force had a constitutional responsibility to provide a level playing field for political parties and other actors. The commissioner added that any officer found engaging in partisan politics or undermining the electoral process would face strict disciplinary action. He also instructed commanders to respect human rights and the rule of law while carrying out their duties.

Bakori urged the officers to strengthen community partnerships and use intelligence-led policing, saying public trust was essential to effective policing and election security. He also directed them to maintain measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process across Kano State. The command said the police would provide security before, during and after the 2027 elections in line with the directive of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

It urged parties, candidates and supporters to act peacefully and comply with the Electoral Act, while warning that conduct capable of disrupting public peace would not be tolerated.