Police promise security and stronger media coordination for Nigeria’s 2027 elections

Nigeria’s police have pledged to protect lives and property and provide a secure environment for voters during the 2027 general elections. Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu made the commitment at a one-day workshop organised by the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists. He was represented by Akaninyene Ezima, Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.

Disu said the police had a responsibility to maintain law and order and enable citizens to exercise their democratic rights. He assured Nigerians that the force would carry out that responsibility during the electoral period. The inspector-general described the media as an important partner in election security.

He said journalists influence how the public understands developments and should therefore verify information before publishing, especially reports involving sensitive security matters. Disu warned against allowing the pressure to publish first to override the obligation to be accurate. He cited recycled videos, fabricated statements and artificial intelligence-generated audio, photographs and videos as challenges that could complicate election reporting and spread fear.

He called for stronger communication between journalists and security agencies. Reporters, he said, should know where to obtain authoritative information, how to check security alerts and whom to contact when accounts conflict. He added that police would remain accessible and responsive to legitimate media inquiries.

The inspector-general also stressed that the period after voting could be as sensitive as election day. FCT NUJ chairperson Grace Ike urged reporters to protect confidential sources, victims and vulnerable witnesses, while asking security agencies to engage transparently and respect press freedom.