2027: Police review security strategies, warn against electoral violence
Taraba State Police Urged to Enhance Integrity and Professionalism Ahead of Elections
The Supervising Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Baba Zango, has called on police officers in Taraba State to maintain high standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Zango made this appeal during an operational assessment visit to the Taraba State Police Command, aiming to evaluate the command’s readiness for the upcoming elections. He emphasized that effective policing hinges on commitment, vigilance, accountability, and strict adherence to established operational guidelines.
In his address, Zango encouraged officers to implement proactive policing strategies, urging them to identify and address potential security threats before they escalate into significant incidents.
“This visit is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to enhance operational readiness, improve inter-agency cooperation, and ensure adequate security before, during, and after the 2027 general elections,” said Zango.
During his discussions with officers, Zango praised their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order and to uphold the safety of lives and property across the state. However, he stressed the importance of discipline, diligence, and accountability in fulfilling their constitutional duties.
A key aspect of the visit involved a review of the command’s preparedness for the elections, focusing on intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration, the prevention of political violence and thuggery, and the protection of electoral stakeholders and critical infrastructure.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, traditional leaders, community representatives, youth groups, and other stakeholders to proactively address potential threats to peaceful electoral participation.
In response, Taraba State Police Commissioner Edwin Ogbebhaghagha reiterated the command’s commitment to following the directives of the Inspector-General of Police. He assured the supervising DIG that the command would strengthen its operational strategies, monitor emerging security concerns, and collaborate with other security agencies to preemptively tackle threats.
Ogbebhaghagha mentioned that the command has initiated community engagement and sensitization programs involving civil society organizations to raise awareness about the risks of electoral violence, political thuggery, and the dissemination of inflammatory information.
He reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains the police command’s primary concern. The commissioner assured residents that comprehensive security measures would be implemented to safeguard voters, electoral officials, candidates, observers, and the general public, regardless of political affiliations.
Moreover, he urged political actors, their supporters, community leaders, and youths to conduct themselves peacefully, respect the electoral process, and avoid actions that could disrupt public order. He encouraged the public to report credible information about security threats or suspicious activities to the police or relevant security agencies.
The Taraba State Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to professionalism, impartiality, and proactive policing, assuring residents that it would continue collaborating with stakeholders to address security challenges and create a safe environment for citizens to exercise their civic rights. The command also encouraged residents to share timely and credible information with security agencies, promising that such reports would be handled confidentially.
