Police Pledge Protection For Corps Members, Election Workers Ahead Of 2027 Polls

The Nigeria Police Force has pledged to provide adequate security for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other temporary personnel engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2027 general elections.

The police spokesman, Ani Iniedu, gave the assurance on Thursday during a joint security agencies briefing in Abuja, following renewed concerns over the safety of young Nigerians deployed for national assignments.

The concerns arose after nine corps members and a commercial driver were abducted along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road in Ogun State in November. The incident followed the October 1 kidnapping of 20 prospective corps members along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State.

Iniedu said the Force had conducted an extensive threat assessment ahead of the elections and was strengthening its security arrangements to protect electoral personnel before, during and after the polls.

He explained that corps members and other ad hoc workers could be vulnerable to attacks because criminals might target groups perceived to have weaker security protection.

The police spokesman said the Force was working closely with INEC and other security agencies through established inter-agency arrangements to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the electoral process.

He cited the Osun State election as an example of previous engagements, noting that the police had interacted with corps members, their parents and other stakeholders to reassure them of their protection.

According to him, the forthcoming general elections would receive similar attention, with increased security deployments planned across the country.

Iniedu also disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had directed the immediate distribution of operational equipment and logistics to strengthen the Force's preparedness.

He assured corps members and other young Nigerians participating in the electoral process that their safety remained a priority, adding that the police would take necessary measures to protect those supporting the country's democratic process.

The spokesman further warned political actors against hate speech, incitement and other forms of conduct capable of triggering violence during the election period.

He disclosed that the police had documented about 11 reported cases of hate speech and taken action on them.

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

He added that complaint channels had been established to enable members of the public to report Commissioners who failed to take appropriate action against offenders.

The police reiterated its commitment to preventing electoral violence and ensuring a secure environment for electoral officials, voters and other participants throughout the 2027 general elections.