Police warn officers against bias

August 14, 2026 12:10 am

Toheeb Omotayo and Patrick Odey

The Kwara and Akwa Ibom State Commissioners of Police have warned officers deployed to Osun State for Saturday’s governorship election against political bias, unprofessional conduct and other acts capable of undermining the credibility of the exercise.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Baba Azare, gave the warnings separately on Thursday while addressing personnel deployed from the two commands for election security duties.

In a statement issued by the Kwara command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Adekimi directed the personnel to maintain discipline, neutrality and professionalism throughout the election, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, that all personnel assigned to election duties must remain apolitical and impartial.

“The personnel must remain apolitical and impartial, while discharging their responsibilities strictly in accordance with the law and established rules of engagement,” Adekimi said.

He described election security as a critical national assignment, warning the officers against conduct that could compromise the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force or erode public confidence in the electoral process.

The CP specifically cautioned them against extortion, fraternisation with political actors and unnecessary use of force.

“Election security is a critical national assignment, and any conduct capable of compromising the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force or undermining public confidence in the electoral process must be avoided,” he said.

Adekimi also charged the officers to remain vigilant and maintain effective communication with their respective commanders throughout the election.

He directed them to prioritise the protection of lives and property, preservation of public order and the creation of a secure environment for residents to exercise their franchise without intimidation or interference.

“The personnel are expected to ensure the protection of lives and property and maintain public order so that citizens can exercise their franchise without intimidation or interference,” he added.

Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Azare, warned officers deployed to Osun against unprofessional conduct, partisanship, intimidation of voters, extortion, harassment and unnecessary use of force.

A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Thursday said Azare gave the warning while addressing the officers before they departed for Osun State.

He reminded them that election duty was a sensitive national responsibility, stressing that their conduct must reflect the integrity, discipline and professionalism expected of police personnel.

“You are going to Osun State as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

“You must remain completely neutral and professional. Do not allow yourselves to be used by any political party, candidate or individual.

“You are warned against partisanship, intimidation of voters, extortion, harassment, unnecessary use of force, incivility, abandonment of duty posts, consumption of alcohol while on duty, or any other act capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.

“Your conduct must reflect the integrity, discipline and professionalism expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force,” the CP said.

Azare charged the officers to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, neutrality and respect for the rule of law throughout the assignment.

He particularly cautioned them against violating the Inspector-General of Police’s Social Media Policy, stressing that officers must not post, livestream, share or circulate photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in a manner inconsistent with the policy or capable of compromising operational security and the image of the Force.

“You must not post, livestream, share or circulate photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in a manner inconsistent with or capable of compromising operational security and the image of the Force,” the statement added.

The Akwa Ibom CP further stressed that the IGP had made adequate provisions for the officers’ transportation to and from Osun State, warning that no officer was authorised or expected to pay for transportation to Osun or back to Akwa Ibom.

He directed all officers to travel strictly through the officially approved transportation arrangements and warned commanders and other personnel against collecting money from any officer under the guise of transportation or related movement expenses.

He further directed that any attempt to demand or collect such money should be immediately reported through the appropriate channel.

Azare also urged the officers to remain under the command and control of their designated commanders, observe the rules of engagement, protect voters, electoral officials and election materials, and ensure that their actions contributed to a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.

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