2027 ELECTIONS: POLICE VOW TO PROTECT NYSC MEMBERS, INEC AD HOC STAFF
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
The Nigeria Police Force has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps and other ad hoc personnel recruited by the Independent National Electoral Commission of adequate security during the 2027 general elections.
The assurance comes amid two recent kidnapping incidents involving corps members. In November 2026, nine corps members and a commercial driver were abducted along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road in Ogun State. Earlier, on October 1, 2026, 20 prospective corps members were kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Imo State, with the case subsequently taken to court.
The incidents have heightened concerns about the safety of young Nigerians deployed for national assignments, particularly election duties, as corps members make up a significant portion of INEC’s ad hoc workforce.
Speaking on preparations for the forthcoming general elections at a joint security agencies briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the police spokesman, Ani Iniedu, said the Force had conducted a comprehensive threat assessment and was strengthening security measures to protect electoral personnel.
He said the police were collaborating with INEC and other security agencies to ensure the safety of corps members and other temporary electoral workers before, during and after the elections.
“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 said.
Iniedu 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 stated.
Reassuring corps members and other young Nigerians participating in the electoral process, the police spokesman said their safety remained a major priority for the Force.
“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.
Meanwhile, Iniedu warned political actors against hate speech, incitement and other forms of political violence capable of threatening the credibility of the electoral process.
He disclosed that the police had documented about 11 reported cases of hate speech and the actions taken in response to them.
According to him, 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 Force had established complaint channels for members of the public to 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.
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