2027: Police assure corps members, INEC ad hoc staff of protection

The Nigeria Police Force has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other ad hoc personnel engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of adequate protection during the 2027 general elections.

The assurance followed concerns over the recent abduction of corps members in parts of the country, raising questions about the safety of young Nigerians deployed for national assignments, particularly as corps members constitute a significant part of INEC’s ad hoc workforce.

Police spokesman Ani Iniedu gave the assurance on Thursday while fielding questions from journalists at a joint security briefing organised by security and intelligence agencies at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.

Speaking on preparations for the forthcoming elections, Iniedu said the police had conducted an extensive threat assessment and were strengthening security arrangements to protect electoral personnel before, during and after the polls.

He said the force was working closely with INEC and other security agencies to ensure the safety of corps members and other temporary electoral workers.

Iniedu said, “In every election cycle, there are potential threats to soft targets. However, as other targets become increasingly fortified, criminals may attempt to exploit perceived vulnerabilities elsewhere.

“The Nigeria Police Force has conducted an extensive threat assessment ahead of the forthcoming general elections, and we are adequately preparing for the challenges.

“During the Osun State election, for instance, we engaged corps members, their parents and other stakeholders and assured them of our commitment to providing adequate security for all ad hoc personnel. The forthcoming general election will not be an exception.

“We are working closely with sister security agencies through the established inter-agency security arrangements. We are also engaging the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure adequate protection for corps members and other ad hoc personnel involved in the electoral process.”

He disclosed that security deployments were being increased ahead of the elections, adding that the Inspector-General of Police had directed the immediate distribution of operational equipment and logistics.

“We are increasing deployments, while the Inspector-General of Police has directed that the distribution of operational equipment and logistics should commence immediately,” he said. 

Reassuring corps members and other young Nigerians participating in the electoral process, Iniedu said their safety remained a priority for the police.

“I want to assure members of the public, particularly corps members and young Nigerians participating in the electoral process, that their safety remains a priority for the Nigeria Police Force.

“We will do everything within our capacity to ensure that those assisting in the democratic process are adequately protected,” he added.

The police spokesman warned political actors against hate speech, incitement and other forms of political violence capable of undermining the electoral process.

He disclosed that the police had documented 11 reported cases of hate speech and the actions taken in response to them.

Iniedu said the Inspector-General of Police had directed all Commissioners of Police to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in such offences.

“Hate speech and incitement are criminal offences. The Inspector-General of Police has directed all Commissioners of Police to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in such acts,” he said.

He added that the police had established complaint channels through which members of the public could report Commissioners of Police who failed to take appropriate action against offenders.

“We will be taking decisive action against offenders. We have also established complaint channels to ensure that where a Commissioner of Police fails to take appropriate action, such failures can be reported and addressed,” he said.